Current Affairs search results for: "DRDO"
By admin: April 23, 2023

1. DRDO and Indian Navy Conduct Successful Trial of BMD Interceptor

Tags: Defence Science and Technology

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully

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

By admin: March 25, 2023

2. Ministry of Defence inks Rs 3,700 crore contracts with BEL

Tags: Defence National News

 Indian Air Force (IAF),

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.


By admin: March 16, 2023

3. The developed drug gets DCGI approval

Tags: Science and Technology National News

The developed drug gets DCGI approval

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.

By admin: March 15, 2023

4. DRDO successfully flight tests indigenous power take off shaft on LCA Tejas in Bengaluru

Tags: Defence Science and Technology

 flight-test of power take off (PTO) shaft

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


By admin: Feb. 23, 2023

5. JP Nadda launches book 'Modi: Shaping a Global order in flux'

Tags: Books and Authors

BJP national president J P Nadda on 22 February launched a book "Modi: Shaping a Global Order in Flux" in Chanakyapuri, Delhi.

An overview of the news

  • In this book, an attempt has been made to tell how PM Modi has taken such decisions which have changed the image of India around the world. 

  • It is important to understand what was the image of India before Modiji came to power.

  • The book has been forwarded by Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

  • The editors are Sujan Chinoy, Vijay Chauthaiwala and Uttam Kumar Sinha.

By admin: Feb. 23, 2023

6. MEA's annual flagship event Asia Economic Dialogue begins in Pune

Tags: National National News

External Affairs Ministry’s annual flagship event on Geoeconomics, Asia Economic Dialogue began on 23 February in Pune, Maharashtra.

An overview of the news

  • It is being hosted in association with the Pune International Center from February 23-25.

  • The main theme of the dialogue is 'Asia and the Emerging World Order'.

  • The dialogue will also discuss topics such as Global Growth Prospects, How the Global South Will Shape the G20 Agenda and the Metaverse.

  • The inaugural session began with talks between External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, H.E. Leonpo Namgye Tshering, Minister of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan and H.E. Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Finance of Maldives.

  • More than 44 speakers from different countries including Brazil, USA, UK, South Africa, Bhutan, Maldives, Switzerland, Singapore and Mexico are participating in this dialogue.

Asia Economic Dialogue (AED)

  • The Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) is the External Affairs ministry's annual event and is hosted in collaboration with the Pune International Centre.

  • It is the flagship geo-economics conference.

  • The dialogue focuses on the dynamics of trade and finance in Asia and its neighbouring countries.

By admin: Feb. 22, 2023

7. Cabinet approves the extension of the term of the Twenty-second Law Commission of India

Tags: committee National National News

The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the tenure of the 22nd Law Commission of India which has been extended till August 31, 2024.

22nd Law Commission

  • The Union ministry of Law and Justice constituted the 22nd Law Commission on 7 November 2022 and appointed former Karnataka High court chief justice Rituraj Awasthi as the chairperson of the Law Commission. 

  • The five member 22nd Law Commission will have a term of three years.

  • Justice BS Chauhan was the chairman of the 21st Law Commission whose term expired in August 2018.

Other members

  • Former Kerala High Court judge Justice KT Sankaran, Prof. Anand Paliwal, Prof. DP Verma, Prof.(Dr) Raka Arya and  M Karunanithi have been appointed members of the Law Commission.

Law Commission of India

  • Law commission is a non-statutory body which is set up by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice for suggesting reform in laws in India.

  • Its recommendations are not binding on the government.

  • The provision for the Law commission was made in the Charter act 1833 and the first Law commission was set up in 1834 under the chairmanship of Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay. 

  • The Indian Penal Code 1860 is based on the recommendation of the Macaulay commission.

  • The First Law commission in Independent India was set up in 1955 and M.C Setalvad who was also the first Attorney General of India was the chairman of the Law Commission.


By admin: Feb. 22, 2023

8. Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Guyana

Tags: National National News

 Union Cabinet on 22 February approved the signing of the Air Services Agreement between the Government of India and Guyana. 

An overview of the news

  • The Air Services Agreement will come into force after the exchange of Diplomacy Notes.

  • The Diplomacy Notes shall confirm that both sides have completed the necessary internal procedures for the entry into force of this Agreement.

  • The signing of the Air Services Agreement with Guyana will create a framework for the provision of air services between the two countries.

  • The agreement will give a boost to the aviation market and aviation sector in India.

  • To strengthen international air connectivity, India has so far signed air service agreements with many countries.

  • India and Guyana are signatories to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). 

  • There is a significant Indian presence in Guyana and according to the 2012 census Indians constitute about 40% of the population.

What is an Air Services Agreement?

  • Air Services Agreement (ASA) provides the legal framework for air operations between two countries.

  • It is based on the sovereignty of the nations, the nationality of the carriers and the commercial opportunity for each side's designated airlines.

  • Prior to this there was no Air Services Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Guyana.

About Guyana

  • Prime Minister: Mark Phillips

  • President: Mohamed Irfaan Ali

  • Capital: Georgetown

  • Currency : Guyanese dollar (G$)

By admin: Feb. 20, 2023

9. Khajuraho Dance Festival begin in Madhya Pradesh

Tags: Festivals State News

The 49th Khajuraho Dance Festival began on February 20 in Khajuraho.

An overview of the news

  • Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel inaugurated 'Khajuraho Dance Festival-2023'. The festival will end on February 26.

  • Madhya Pradesh State Rupankar Art Award will be given at the function and an exhibition of artefacts has also been organised at the venue.

  • Under the Department of Culture, this festival is being organised with the joint efforts of Ustad Alladin Khan Academy of Music and Arts, Department of Tourism, Archaeological Survey of India, World Dance Alliance and Chhatarpur District Administration.

  • The first meeting of the Culture Working Group under the chairmanship of India in G-20 is also being held in Khajuraho from 23 to 25 February.

Other festivals of Madhya Pradesh

  • Lokrang Festival, Bhopal

  • Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh, Ujjain

  • Bhagoria Haat Festival, West Nimar (Khargon) and Jhabua

  • Ujjain Kumbh Mela, Ujjain

  • Malwa Utsav, Indore & Ujjain

  • Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival, Sanchi

  • Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, Gwalior

By admin: Feb. 19, 2023

10. Ben Stokes breaks world record for smashing most sixes in Test cricket history

Tags: Sports Sports News

England Test captain Ben Stokes on 18 February became the player to hit the most number of sixes in the history of Test cricket, surpassing England coach and former New Zealand cricketer Brendon McCullum in the match against New Zealand.

An overview of the news

  • Stokes holds the world record for hitting two sixes in the second innings of the first Test between England and New Zealand at Mount Maunganui (New Zealand).

  • Stokes played an innings of 31 runs in 33 balls, which included three fours and two sixes.

  • Wicket-keeper Tom Blundell stumped him off the bowling of all-rounder Michael Bracewell.

  • In 90 Test matches, Stokes scored a total of 5,652 runs at an average of 36.00 with 109 sixes and 12 centuries and 28 fifties.

  • His individual best score in Tests is 258.

  • McCullum has 107 sixes in 101 Tests. He scored 6,453 runs at an average of 38.64. He has 12 centuries and 31 fifties in Tests with a best score of 302.

Batsman who hit most sixes in test cricket

  • Australia's Adam Gilchrist is third after Stokes (109) and McCullum (107) to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket.

  • Chris Gayle of West Indies is fourth in the list with 98 sixes and Jacques Kallis of South Africa is fifth with 97 sixes.

  • India's Virender Sehwag is in sixth place, he has hit 91 sixes. Sehwag is the Indian to hit the most sixes in Tests.