National Technology Day: All you need to know about India’s nuclear might

India celebrates National Technology Day annually on May 11 to commemorate the successful nuclear test at Pokhran in 1998, which marked India’s significant achievements in science and technology and emphasised its pivotal role in solidifying the nation’s position as a global leader in technological innovation

• On May 11, 1998, three very special technological advances were showcased by India’s scientists and engineers — Operation Shakti, also known widely as Pokhran-II nuclear tests; the successful test firing of Trishul missile; and the first test flight of the indigenously developed aircraft Hansa.
• The euphoria of demonstrations of these technologies was such that the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee added ‘Jai Vigyan’ (Hail Science) to Lal Bahadur Shastri’s popular slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ (Hail the soldier and the farmer).
• Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee also designated May 11 as National Technology Day in India to commemorate the historic Pokhran-II nuclear tests. The following year, on May 11, 1999, the Council for Technology organised the inaugural celebration of National Technology Day.
• India is currently among eight countries in the world that have a publicly known nuclear weapons programme.

History of India’s nuclear tests

• At the time of India’s independence, the country’s leaders were opposed to fully embracing nuclear weapons. Just two years before in 1945, the world had witnessed the horrific nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Mahatma Gandhi called the use of nuclear weapons morally unacceptable. His protege and India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was also sceptical, but kept the door open for future consideration.

Why India conducted its nuclear tests?

• This future beckoned early, as India’s defeat in the 1962 Sino-Indian War and and China’s subsequent nuclear bomb test at Lop Nor in 1964 gave rise to legitimate fears about national security. Things were further accelerated, when in 1965, India went to war with Pakistan once again, with China openly supporting Pakistan this time.
• Also,  post 1974, Pakistan had actively started acquiring nuclear weapons. China was sharing technology and materials with Pakistan, and it was public knowledge. Effectively, India was faced with two nuclear capable adversaries, and needed to take steps towards building self-sufficiency.

Pokhran-I (1974)

• By the 1970s, India was capable of conducting a nuclear bomb test. Bhaba’s successor at the DAE, Vikram Sarabhai, had worked to significantly broaden India’s nuclear technology and now the question was more of political will, especially in context of a global order extremely wary of nuclear proliferation.
• On May 18, 1974, with support from Indira, India carried out its first nuclear test at the Pokhran test site. Pokhran-I, codenamed Operation Smiling Buddha, would be billed as a “peaceful nuclear explosion”, with “few military implications”.
•  However, the world was not willing to buy India’s version of the story. There was near-universal condemnation and countries like the US and Canada imposed significant international sanctions on India. These sanctions would be a major setback for India’s nuclear journey, and majorly decelerate its progress.

Pokhran-II (1998)

• Beyond international sanctions, India’s nuclear journey was also hobbled by domestic political instability. The Emergency of 1975 and Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s opposition to nuclear weapons brought the programme to a grinding halt.
• After a few years of domestic turmoil when the political will to conduct nuclear testing was wanting, in 1998, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP came to power under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. One of the key promises in its manifesto was to “induct nuclear weapons” into India’s arsenal.
• In March 1998, Pakistan launched the Ghauri missile – built with assistance from China. Two months later, India responded with Operation Shakti.
• Notably, while the 1974 tests were ostensibly done for peaceful purposes, the 1998 tests were the culmination of India’s nuclear weaponisation process. Consequently, the Indian Government declared itself as a state possessing nuclear weapons following Pokhran-II.
• While the tests in 1998 also invited sanctions from some countries (like the US), the condemnation was far from universal like in 1974. In context of India’s fast-growing economy and market potential, India was able to stand its ground and thus cement its status as a dominant nation state.

March since Pokhran

• Shekhar Mande ( former director general of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) explains–
• “Since 1998, the country has continued steadily in its journey of technological developments. Among the visible examples of India’s impactful technological progress are the digital payment gateways that have democratised financial transactions like never before, and exemplify India’s leadership in the world in this area.
• Lesser-known milestones that have quietly been achieved are making of indigenous BioJet fuels, mapping of subsurface water channels for sustainable use of water, making of indigenous light combat aircraft, development of variety of crops by traditional methods of breeding, digitisation of many aspects of trade, and moving firmly towards a Hydrogen economy.
• The recent push for infrastructural development, including promotion of use of domestic and industrial waste in it, and its spectacular results, are already making headlines. By steadily reducing energy dependence on natural resources and by promoting renewable energy, India is already in the league of nations where carbon footprint in the energy sector is likely to reduce dramatically.
• Challenges, however, remain in many areas, including urban infrastructure and planning, containing air, water and soil pollution, slowing down rural to urban migrations, diversification of agricultural produce, judicious use of water resources, and promotion of AI/ ML technologies in all industrial segments.”

India’s Nuclear Doctrine & Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

• 1. On January 4, 2003, when Vajpayee was India’s Prime Minister, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met to review the progress in operationalizing the country’s nuclear doctrine.
• An official release issued that day summarized the decisions that were being put in the public domain.
• 2. Among the major points in the doctrine was “a posture of No First Use”, which was described as follows: “Nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere”. However, the doctrine made it clear that India’s “nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage”.
• Also, “in the event of a major attack against India, or Indian forces anywhere, by biological or chemical weapons, India will retain the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons”.

The doctrine also said:

• Nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorised by the civilian political leadership through the Nuclear Command Authority. The Nuclear Command Authority comprises a Political Council and an Executive Council. The Political Council is chaired by the Prime Minister.
• India would not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states.
•  India would continue to put strict controls on the export of nuclear and missile related materials and technologies, participate in the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty negotiations, and continue to observe the moratorium on nuclear tests.
• India remains committed to the goal of a nuclear weapons free world, through global, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.

Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

• 1. The NPT is an international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to foster the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of disarmament.
• 2. In 1968, the NPT came into existence. The treaty defines nuclear-weapon states as those that have built and tested a nuclear explosive device before January 1, 1967 – the US, Russia (formerly USSR), the UK, France and China – and effectively disallows any other state from acquiring nuclear weapons.
• 3. While the treaty has been signed by almost every country in the world, India is one of the few non-signatories

Revolt of 1857

• The rebellion of 1857, also known as India’s first war of Independence, began on May 10, 1857. In the revolt, Indian sepoys rose up against the might of the British officers of the East India Company.
• This revolt witnessed an extraordinary amount of violence unleashed by both sides. It ended the rule of the East India Company on India by an Act of Parliament known as the Queen’s Proclamation of 1858. With this, the rule of the Indian empire was taken over by the British crown.

Key Takeaways:

• The immediate cause of the 1857 revolt, cited by historians, was sparked off by a rumour that the new Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle-musket issued to the sepoys of the East India Company came with a cartridge dipped in beef and pork fat, which made it anathema to both Hindu and Muslim sepoys, who had to bite open the cartridge to load the weapon.
• On March 29, 1857, sepoy Mangal Pandey fired at a British officer, and his comrades refused to arrest him. This led to his court-martial, and he was ultimately hanged to death.
• After this, the incidents of disobedience, incendiarism, and arson were reported from the army cantonments in Ambala, Lucknow, and Meerut, until finally, the Meerut sepoys started the revolt on 10 May.
• Sekhar Bandopaddhya has written in his book ‘From Plassey To Partition‘ that “the mutiny mainly affected the Bengal army; the Madras and the Bombay regiments remained quiet, while the Punjabi and Gurkha soldiers actually helped to suppress the rebellion.” The entire South India remained unaffected too.
• Along with economic exploitation in the form of increased rents, illegal acquisitions of land, decline of traditional handicrafts, and increased interference of the Britishers in Indian affairs, the annexation of Awadh by Lord Dalhousie on the grounds of misgovernance of Awadh and failing to introduce reform had an adverse effect on Bengal Army, which mainly consisted of sepoys from this region.
• Leaders across the northern region rose to provide the leadership. Nana Sahib, the adopted son of Peshwa Baji Rao II, assumed leadership in Kanpur, Begum Hazrat Mahal took control over Lucknow, Veer Kuwar Singh was the chief organiser from the Bhojpur region of Bihar, Khan Bahadur Khan in Rohilkhand, and Rani Lakshmibai appeared as the leader of the sepoys in Jhansi.
• After the outbreak of the mutiny in Meerut, the rebels reached Delhi, and Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was declared the Emperor of Hindustan.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar was, however, imprisoned and was later brought back as a prisoner to Shahjanabad. Later, he was exiled to Rangoon after a trial against him for sedition against his own empire.
• Many of the royal princes and princesses lost their lives either while trying to escape or died in poverty.

The lesser-known battles of 1857

• Battle of Chinhat: The Battle was fought on June 30, 1857, in Chinhat, near Lucknow. The East India Company’s army led by Sir Henry Lawrence, the Chief Commissioner of Oudh, against a “small troop of rebels” led by sepoy mutineer Barkat Ahmad. With several of his men killed or wounded and the guns “almost out of ammunition”, Sir Henry Lawrence ordered to retreat.
• On July 2, Lawrence was mortally wounded by a shell splinter fired from the 8-inch howitzer that rebels had captured at Chinhat. He died two days later. The siege ended only in November after a relief mission led by the new commander-in-chief in India, Sir Colin Campbell.
• The siege of Aarah: Soon after the events in Meerut, Delhi and Lucknow, the European residents of Aarah in Bihar too realised, like in any other parts of the country, that they were standing on shaky ground. On the morning of July 27 the rebel sepoys, joined by Kunwar Singh and his forces, arrive in Arrah. For the next eight days, the rebels continued firing at the fortified house where the European residents were staying.
• The rescue operation under Major Vincent Eyre, stationed in Buxar, was successful in defeating the rebel sepoys and forced Kunwar Singh, along with his men, to retreat and leave Aarah.
• The Battle of Bareilly: The city of Bareilly was one of the strongholds during the rebellion of 1857 and remained so for nearly a year. Here, the resistance was led by an 82-year-old Khan Bahadur Khan. He put up a strong fight against Sir Colin Campbell, who was then the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army and marching towards Bareilly.
• In an action that lasted for nearly six hours and nearly cost the renowned war correspondent his life, the British forces were successful in making Khan’s force retreat and take over the city.

Government of India Act 1858

• 1. The first ever Government of India Act of 1858 came after the 1857 War of Independence. The Viceroy of the Queen replaced the Governor-General of the Company as the supreme authority in India.
• 2. It made a commitment to “respect the rights, dignity and honour of the native princes as our own”. It also promised religious toleration and proposed to govern Indians according to their established traditions and customs.
• 3. A new government department in London, the India Office, headed by the Secretary of State, was constituted. The Secretary of State was to be advised by a new Council of India located in London. With this, Indian affairs came under close and regular scrutiny of the British Parliament.

PSLV to launch all-weather imaging satellite

• India is gearing up for the big launch of the Earth Observation Satellite RISAT-1B aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61).
• The satellite will liftoff on May 18, 2025, at 6:59 am IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• This mission highlights the PSLV’s enduring legacy as Isro’s workhorse and its vital role in bolstering India’s surveillance and disaster management capabilities.

WHAT IS PSLV?

• The PSLV, or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is India’s most reliable and versatile launch vehicle, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).
• Since its maiden flight in 1993, PSLV has completed over 60 missions, launching satellites into various orbits, including sun-synchronous, geostationary transfer, and sub-geosynchronous transfer orbits.
• The PSLV’s unique four-stage design-alternating between solid and liquid propulsion-enables it to deliver payloads with high precision and flexibility.

PSLV-C61 AND EOS-09

• For the EOS-09 mission, PSLV will carry a 1,710 kg satellite into a sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent lighting for earth observation.
• The PSLV-C61 configuration is tailored for this heavy payload, demonstrating the rocket’s adaptability.
• EOS-09 is equipped with a state-of-the-art C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), granting it the ability to capture high-resolution images of Earth’s surface day or night, regardless of weather conditions.
• This all-weather, round-the-clock imaging is crucial for applications ranging from border surveillance and national security to agriculture, forestry, flood monitoring, and disaster management.
• The satellite features five imaging modes, allowing it to switch between ultra-high-resolution imaging for small object detection and wide-area scans for broader observation.
• Its deployment is particularly significant amid heightened security concerns, with the satellite expected to enhance monitoring of sensitive borders and coastlines.
• The PSLV has a remarkable success rate, having launched numerous critical satellites for India and international clients. Its reliability and cost-effectiveness have made it the backbone of India’s space program

How Indian win at Shakargarh Bulge broke Pakistan in 1971

• In December of 1971, while the conflict between Pakistan and India escalated into a full-scale war that ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh, the Shakargarh sector in Punjab emerged as a decisive theatre of the western front.
• Capture of this region was of utmost importance as it could have permitted Pakistani troops to sever the link between Jammu and Kashmir and India.
• The Battle of Basantar, which took place from December 4 to 16, was one of the most important clashes of the war. Indian forces, confronted with heavily defended Pakistani positions and vast minefields, fought a coordinated campaign that not only captured ground but also advanced the frontline to the west. The conflict served an important purpose in the development of the course of the war.

Where is the Shakargarh Bulge and why was it strategic?

• Shakargarh Bulge, a little-known but critical piece of land situated in Pakistan’s Sialkot district, became the site of some of the fiercest tank battles since World War II.
• The conflict culminated in the Battle of Basantar, a 12-day engagement that shaped the outcome of the western front in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war

Why Pakistan and India prioritised control of the Shakargarh Bulge

• The Shakargarh Bulge is an important area in Pakistani territory that sticks out into India, bordered by the Ravi and Chenab rivers. Its geography consists of flat terrain and proximity to key road and rail networks, making it a strategic corridor for both sides.
• For India, defending the Jammu–Pathankot axis through this region was vital to keeping Jammu and Kashmir connected to the mainland. For Pakistan, seizing the bulge offered an opportunity to isolate Indian forces in Kashmir and offset the strategic blow that was unfolding in East Pakistan. 

How India pre-empted Pakistan with a Shakargarh offensive

• In the initial days of the war, the Indian Army’s 1 Corps launched a pre-emptive strike into the Shakargarh Bulge on December 5, 1971. The goal was to neutralise the possibility of a Pakistani offensive and prevent a disruption of Indian supply lines in the north.
• This move forced Pakistan to mobilise its elite 1st Armoured Division and parts of its 6th Armoured Division. The bulge soon became a gravity point that tied down Pakistani reserves, preventing their deployment to the eastern theatre
• Indian forces pushed forward from Samba, with the 54th Infantry Division and the 16th Independent Armoured Brigade spearheading the assault. The Pakistani side had heavily mined the area and fortified key positions in villages like Jarpal and Chakra.

Battle of Basantar: The tank-led charge that changed the war

• The Battle of Basantar, named after the Basantar river (a tributary of the Ravi) that cuts across the bulge, began on December 4 and concluded by December 16, 1971. It was the initiating engagement of the Shakargarh campaign.
• Indian engineers from the 9 Engineer Regiment breached minefields as deep as 1.6 km under direct enemy fire. On December 15–16, Indian forces, led by the 47 Infantry Brigade, established a bridgehead across the Basantar River, opening the way for tanks from the 17 Poona Horse regiment.
• One of the most notable acts of gallantry came from 2nd Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal of 17 Poona Horse, who destroyed several Pakistani tanks before being fatally wounded. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.

How India destroyed Pakistani tanks and broke enemy lines

• The battle saw Indian Centurion and AMX-13 tanks engage Pakistani Patton tanks in intense duels. By the end of the conflict, India had reportedly destroyed more than 60 Pakistani tanks, decimating one infantry brigade and one armoured brigade.
• Several interlinked military strategies enabled Indian success at Basantar. The use of trawl tanks and manual mine-clearing operations by engineers created pathways for Indian armour to move through heavily mined zones.
•  Meanwhile, the 75 Medium Regiment, in direct support of the armoured and infantry brigades, provided suppressive fire on Pakistani strongholds and counterattack formations.
• While river crossings and minefield breaching were executed at night to avoid Pakistani artillery and air strikes, in a rare move, Lt Col H H Bakshi ordered a daylight tank charge through partially cleared minefields. The gamble paid off, catching the Pakistani troops off guard.

Tactical choices and troop coordination ensured India’s success

• Additionally, diversionary attacks were launched on positions such as Lalial and Thakurdwara to draw Pakistani reinforcements away from the main axis of advance. Junior officers were empowered to take tactical calls, which led to quicker responses on the battlefield.
• And with Pakistan’s reserves tied down in the west, India’s push toward Dhaka in the east proceeded with limited resistance. Also, the heavy Pakistani losses in men and materiel undermined morale and eroded any chance of recovery on the western front
• Consequently, India’s position in post-war negotiations, including at the Shimla Conference, was strengthened by territorial and battlefield superiority.

The 75 Medium Regiment’s firepower helped shape the war

• The 75 Medium Regiment’s artillery fire was instrumental in shaping battlefield outcomes as it provided continuous fire support to armoured units like 4 Horse and 17 Horse. Its observers operated in forward areas, calling in precision strikes on Pakistani defences and tank formations.
• The regiment neutralised multiple enemy positions, including RCL gun nests and mortar sites, especially during the operations at Thakurdwara and Jarpal. During Pakistani counterattacks, concentrated artillery barrages helped blunt enemy momentum and protect Indian gains.
• In recognition of its efforts, the regiment was awarded the battle honour “Basantar River.”

India’s capture of 350 sq miles gave it the upper hand

• India’s advance in the Shakargarh Bulge resulted in the capture of more than 350 square miles of territory. This strategic gain denied Pakistan a bargaining chip in the west, even as it suffered territorial and political losses in the east.
• Pakistan’s operational missteps in the west, including daylight tank charges and exposed troop movements, were later criticised by its own inquiry, the Hamoodur Rahman Commission.
• Though the captured territory was returned to Pakistan as part of the 1972 Shimla Agreement, the battle remained a demonstration of Indian military coordination and preparedness.
• The Shakargarh Bulge may no longer be a household term, but in December 1971, it became the terrain where the outcome of a war was decided, not only by soldiers but by strategies executed across land, river, and minefields.

What is caste census, when was it last held and why is it back?

• The Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) gave the green light to conducting the Opposition’s long-standing demand of caste census in the upcoming national Census, marking a significant departure from the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) earlier position. The decision comes ahead of the Bihar assembly election and follows last year’s closely contested Lok Sabha election.
• This move also reopens a complex debate over caste, representation, and social justice in India’s democracy.
• The timeline for the pan-India Census, originally scheduled for 2021 but delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has still not been announced though. However, the clearance for caste enumeration signals a broader political recalibration

What is the caste census and how is it different from the population census? 

• A caste census refers to the systematic collection of data on the various caste groups in the country, along with their socio-economic indicators, such as income, education, occupation, and living conditions. Unlike the general population census, which only enumerates Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and religious communities, a Caste Census includes Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and potentially all other caste groups.
• The intent is to understand the population distribution across castes, their socio-economic status, and how government policies and reservation benefits can be better targeted.

When was India’s last caste census held and why did it stop?

• Caste census was a regular feature under British rule from 1881 to 1931. The last full caste census was conducted in 1931, under the supervision of Census Commissioner J H Hutton. The 1941 Census was disrupted by World War II and its caste data was never published.
• After independence, starting with the 1951 Census, caste data was officially dropped. Post-1951, only data related to SCs and STs continued to be collected, leaving out OBCs and others.
• This was part of an official policy to move away from reinforcing caste identities. However, in 1961, states were permitted to conduct their own surveys to identify OBCs.
• The Mandal Commission, appointed in 1979, relied on the 1931 caste data to estimate the OBC population at 52 per cent. This figure formed the basis for the 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in education and jobs implemented in 199

Did the UPA and Congress government conduct a caste census in 2010?

• During the second term of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), pressure from Hindi heartland parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Samajwadi Party (SP), and Janata Dal (United) led to the announcement of a Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) in 2010.
•  The UPA-II government initially resisted, with the Home Ministry under P Chidambaram warning that caste enumeration might compromise the accuracy of overall Census data.
• Eventually, a Group of Ministers headed by then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was set up. After internal disagreements and consultations with political parties, the decision to hold a caste count was taken. The SECC was carried out alongside the 2011 Census, but its caste data was never released
• The SECC data cost nearly ₹4,900 crore and was published in 2016, but only the socio-economic findings were made public.
•  The caste data was handed over to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. An expert group led by then-NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Arvind Panagariya was tasked with its classification — a report which remains unreleased.

Which Indian states have released their own caste survey data?

• In the absence of national data, states have taken the lead in conducting Caste Census.
• Bihar:Released its caste survey in 2023 under the JD(U)-RJD-Congress coalition. The data put OBCs and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) at over 60 per cent of the state population.
• Karnataka: The survey, commissioned in 2015 during Siddaramaiah’s first term, was submitted only in February 2025 and approved by his Cabinet in April.
• Telangana: The Congress government released its Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste survey report in February 2024.

What the British colonial caste census reveals about data and identity

• The British colonial administration encountered several difficulties with caste enumeration
• The 1901 Census under H H Risley adopted the varna hierarchy, sparking protests from caste groups who felt misrepresented.
• By 1931, J H Hutton used occupation instead of varna to classify caste groups. But even this model struggled with inconsistencies — for example, cultivation was seen as a high-status occupation in northern India but linked with ‘exterior’ castes in the south
• Hutton observed that avoiding caste enumeration was not a solution, famously saying it was akin to the ostrich burying its head in the sand.
• Historian Sekhar Bandyopadhyay has noted that the colonial census often became a means for caste groups to assert or contest their social status, leading to mobilisation and agitations.

What could change after India conducts a nationwide caste census?

• A caste census could set the stage for a re-evaluation of the current reservation framework and welfare policies. The new data may prompt demands for proportional representation in education, jobs, and political seats based on updated population figures. It may trigger court cases and legislative debates over the 50 per cent cap on reservations set by the Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992).
• Additionally, previous debates have seen demands for sub-quotas within women’s reservation for OBC women, which may resurface.
• The lack of reliable caste data has long been cited as a hindrance to designing targeted social welfare schemes. But releasing such data also risks sparking caste-based polarisation or renewed demands from dominant groups seeking inclusion in the OBC list, experts caution.
• The Modi government’s decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census marks a watershed moment. While the timeline for the next Census remains uncertain, the approval of caste enumeration sets the stage for a significant transformation in the landscape of Indian social policy and electoral politics.

 Census vs survey

• It is also clarified that any data produced on caste or population has been from surveys, not an official census, adding that only the central government can conduct a census.
• A census gathers data from every individual in a population, whereas a survey collects data from a sample or subset of the population.
• As per article 246 of the Constitution of India, the subject census is listed at 69 in the Union list in the Seventh Schedule.

National census delayed since 2021

• The Centre is expected to resume the national census this year after a four-year delay, following the postponement of the 2021 census due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This delay has already caused a significant shift in India’s traditional census timeline, which has been conducted every decade since 1951.
• A Discussion on the national census has also renewed focus on the scheduled 2026 delimitation exercise, which could lead to a recalibration of parliamentary seat allocations based on updated census data.
• India’s last census, held in 2011, recorded a population of 1.21 billion, with rural areas accounting for 68.84 per cent of the population and urban areas making up 31.16 per cent. Uttar Pradesh was the most populous state, while Lakshadweep had the lowest population among Union territories

How India''s Akash missile hunts, locks, and destroys

As the Indian airspace came under extreme threat from Pakistani drones, missiles and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVS) following Operation Sindoor, a home-made asset stepped up to the challenge.

• The Akash missile began taking down the targets that were overwhelming the Indian airspace after launched by Pakistan from across the border.
• Its success in neutralising the targets during Operation Sindoor showed its advanced capabilities, high success rate in defending Indian assets and why it needs to be celebrated more.

WHAT IS AKASH?

• The Akash missile system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a medium-range, mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to neutralise aerial threats such as fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles.
• Akash operates on a command-guidance system with datalink for mid-course corrections and switches to active radar homing in the terminal phase.
• The missile is propelled by an integrated ramjet-rocket engine, allowing it to maintain supersonic speeds (Mach 1.8 to 2.5) throughout its flight.
• Its range extends up to 25–45 km, with the ability to intercept targets at altitudes up to 20 km. The missile carries a 60 kg high-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead, detonated by a digital proximity fuse for maximum impact.
• The Akash system is supported by a sophisticated radar network. The Rajendra phased array radar can track up to 64 targets and guide eight missiles simultaneously, while the 3D Central Acquisition Radar (3D CAR) provides long-range surveillance and target acquisition.
• Each Akash battery is fully mobile, capable of protecting both stationary and moving assets, and can engage multiple threats simultaneously.
• The missile is propelled by an integrated ramjet-rocket engine.

ROLE IN OPERATION SINDOOR

• During Operation Sindoor, the Akash missile system was pivotal in repelling waves of drones and missile attacks launched by Pakistan along the western front.
• Integrated into India’s multi-layered air defense network, Akash batteries successfully intercepted hostile aerial targets, preventing enemy breaches and protecting critical infrastructure.
• Military officials highlighted its “stellar performance,” with the system engaging multiple targets simultaneously and demonstrating a high kill probability.
• The Akash’s indigenous design, rapid response capability, and integration with advanced command-and-control systems like Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) enabled real-time threat neutralisation.
• Its success in Operation Sindoor not only validated its battlefield effectiveness but also validated India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology.
• The DRDO Akash missile’s robust mechanism-combining advanced radar, mobile launchers, and supersonic command-guided missiles-proved decisive in Operation Sindoor.
• Its ability to simultaneously track, target, and destroy multiple aerial threats ensured a high success rate, establishing Akash as a cornerstone of India’s air defense shield

Government notifies the expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) to increase capital mobilization for startups

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has notified the expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) to increase capital mobilization for startups. The revised scheme raises the guarantee cover ceiling per borrower from Rs. 10 crore (US$ 1.17 million) to Rs. 20 crore (US$ 2.34 million).
• The extent of guaranteed cover has also been enhanced to 85% of the amount in default for loans up to Rs. 10 crore (US$ 1.17 million) and 75% for loans exceeding that amount. Additionally, the Annual Guarantee Fee (AGF) for startups in 27 Champion Sectors has been reduced from 2% p.a. to 1% p.a.
• These sectors, identified under the “Make in India” initiative, are set to benefit from more attractive funding and a boost to innovation in domestic manufacturing and self-reliance.
•  The expanded scheme aligns with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into an innovation-driven, self-reliant economy by addressing the financing needs of startups.
• The increased guaranteed support and coverage are expected to attract more financial institutions to provide credit to startups, increasing overall fund flow. This will reduce the perceived risks of lending to startups, enabling greater financial support for research and development (R&D), experimentation, and the creation of cutting-edge technologies.
• The expanded CGSS also includes operational reforms and enabling measures identified through consultations with the startup ecosystem, making it more attractive for lenders and startups seeking funding.
• These changes will propel the country towards becoming a developed nation by fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. The CGSS was initially approved in October 2022 to provide collateral-free debt funding to startups through various financial institutions. The Union Budget 2025-26 proposed enhancing credit availability with guarantee cover to further catalyse entrepreneurship.

Benefits of CGSS 

The Credit Guarantee Scheme for startups benefits you in the following ways: 

• No collateral requirement - Most startups bootstrap their way towards success. During this period, they face challenges in arranging finance due to insufficient collateral. The collateral-free CGSS guarantee opens up an easy source of finance for startups. 
• Nominal guarantee fee - The credit guarantee cover is provided against an annual guarantee fee of 2% per annum on the disbursed or outstanding amount. In the case of working capital facilities, it is charged on the sanction amount. For female entrepreneurs and units from North-East India, the fee is 1.5%. The MLI may or may not pass on this fee to the borrowing startup. 
• Flexible credit facilities - Loans under CGSS can be availed to meet various business needs, whether short-term or long-term. The loans can be in the form of venture debt, term loan, working capital loan, subordinated debt/mezzanine debt, debentures, optionally convertible debt, etc. It can also cover a non-fund-based facility that has become a debt obligation. Further, the credit guarantee may be transaction-based or umbrella-based. 
• MI support - The member institution applies for the credit guarantee cover against the loan applied by the startup. The eligibility and project feasibility are ensured by the MI. The startup doesn’t need to coordinate between NCGTC and MI for the CGSS loan approval. 

 Ozone pollution puts essential crops in peril, reveals new study

The world’s essential food grains wheat, rice and maize are facing a silent threat from escalating surface ozone pollution. A groundbreaking study by Professor Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath and his team at the Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL), IIT Kharagpur, has sounded the alarm on a growing but under-recognised threat to India’s food security: surface ozone pollution.

• Published in the journal Environmental Research, the study titled “Surface ozone pollution-driven risks for the yield of major food crops under future climate change scenarios in India” combines historical trends with future projections using data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase-6 (CMIP6).
• According to the researchers, potential oxidant surface ozone is increasingly damaging crop productivity by infiltrating plant tissues and disrupting essential physiological functions, particularly photosynthesis.
• Under high-emission scenarios like SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5, wheat yields could decline by up to 20, while rice and maize could see losses of around 7% each after 2050. The Indo-Gangetic Plain and Central India are identified as especially vulnerable, with ozone exposure during crop growth stages potentially exceeding safe limits by up to six times.
• The threat is compounded by what the study refers to as a “climate penalty” during India’s rabi and post-kharif seasons, which is expected to worsen surface ozone levels
• Stating that the situation is deeply concerning, the study noted that findings have significant implications for our agricultural productivity and our progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger and no poverty.
• Despite the launch of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to tackle urban air pollution, agricultural regions continue to be overlooked. The study stresses the urgent need for crop-specific air quality policies and the promotion of clean energy and low-emission farming techniques.
• The research also explores biological mechanisms of ozone damage, noting that about 45% of surface ozone is absorbed through plant stomata, generating harmful reactive oxygen species that degrade critical enzymes such as RuBisCO. This disruption in photosynthesis reduces crop yields significantly.
• While several previous studies in India have used short-term data to estimate yield loss from ozone exposure, this study stands out for its comprehensive assessment of future scenarios.
• It urges policymakers to transition from high-emission development pathways to more sustainable models such as SSP1-2.6, which could help limit crop damage and preserve national and global food security.
• As India remains a major exporter of food grains to Asia and Africa, any significant loss in agricultural output could have global repercussions. The researchers call for immediate and coordinated actions to integrate air quality management into agricultural policy frameworks.

Indian Government remains committed to realising the vision of TB-free India: PM Modi

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India''s commitment to eliminating tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, five years ahead of the global target. During a high-level review meeting on the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), he praised recent innovations that enable shorter treatment, faster diagnosis, and better nutrition for TB patients1.
• The meeting highlighted the success of the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which screened 12.97 crore vulnerable individuals, detecting 7.19 lakh TB cases, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases. Over one lakh new Ni-kshay Mitras joined the effort, showcasing strong public participation. Modi emphasized the need to analyze TB patient trends based on urban or rural locations and occupations, particularly in high-risk sectors like construction, mining, and textile mills
• He also stressed the importance of technology-driven outreach, encouraging Ni-kshay Mitras to use digital tools to educate and support TB patients. The Prime Minister cited findings from the World Health Organization''s Global TB Report 2024, which showed an 18% reduction in TB incidence and a 21% decline in TB mortality in India, surpassing global progress.
• Infrastructure improvements were also reviewed, including the expansion of TB diagnostic networks to 8,540 NAAT labs, 87 culture and drug susceptibility labs, and 26,700 X-ray units, with 500 AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices already deployed. Modi emphasized that TB is curable with regular treatment and called for greater awareness and reduced fear among the public.
• The government remains committed to working closely with stakeholders to achieve a TB-free India, leveraging public participation and technological advancements to accelerate progress

Key Achievements of India’s TB Initiative

• Success of the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan:
• 12.97 crore vulnerable individuals screened
• 7.19 lakh TB cases detected, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases
• Over one lakh new Ni-kshay Mitras joined to support TB patients
• Targeted TB Interventions:
• Modi emphasized tracking TB cases based on urban/rural locations and occupations like construction, mining, and textile mills, which have high-risk populations.

Leveraging Technology in TB Management:

• Ni-kshay Mitras encouraged to use digital tools to educate and support patients.
• Expansion of TB diagnostic infrastructure:
• 8,540 NAAT labs
• 87 culture and drug susceptibility labs
• 26,700 X-ray units
• 500 AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices deployed

Global Recognition:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Report 2024 highlights India’s progress:
• 18% reduction in TB incidence (double the global pace)
• 21% decline in TB mortality
• 85% treatment coverage, showcasing improved reach and effectiveness

Decentralization of TB Services:

• Free screening, diagnosis, treatment, and nutrition support integrated into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
• Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana has provided 1.28 crore TB patients with direct benefit transfers for better nutrition, increasing financial incentives to ₹1,000 per patient in 2024.

Technological advancements improve TB treatment

1. Faster & More Accurate Diagnosis

• AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices: These portable tools help detect TB in remote areas, reducing reliance on large hospital infrastructure.
• Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) labs: With 8,540 labs, these molecular tests provide rapid and precise TB detection, improving early intervention.
• Culture & Drug Susceptibility Labs: 87 specialized labs analyze TB strains to determine the most effective treatment, reducing drug resistance.

2. Shorter & More Effective Treatment

• New drug regimens: India has introduced shorter treatment courses for drug-resistant TB, improving patient adherence and recovery rates.
• Indigenous molecular diagnostics: These innovations allow quicker identification of TB strains, ensuring targeted treatment.

3. Digital Patient Support & Monitoring

• Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative: Volunteers use digital platforms to educate and support TB patients, ensuring they complete their treatment.
• Telemedicine & AI-driven outreach: Patients in rural areas can access virtual consultations, reducing travel burdens and improving healthcare access.

4. Nutrition & Financial Support

• Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana: TB patients receive ₹1,000 per month to improve nutrition, boosting immunity and recovery.
• Community-driven food distribution: 2.94 million food baskets have been provided by 255,000 Ni-kshay Mitras, ensuring patients receive essential nutrients.

5. Expanded Screening & Prevention

• Targeted screening in high-risk areas: Workers in construction, mining, and textile mills receive early testing, preventing outbreaks.
• Decentralized TB services: Free screening, diagnosis, and treatment are now available at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, making healthcare more accessible.
• These advancements are accelerating India''s goal of a TB-free nation, ensuring faster diagnosis, better treatment, and stronger patient support.
• The impact of tuberculosis (TB) varies significantly across different regions in India due to factors like population density, healthcare access, occupational risks, and socioeconomic conditions.

Here’s a breakdown of how TB affects different areas:

1. Urban vs. Rural Disparities

• Urban areas: Higher population density leads to faster transmission, but better healthcare infrastructure allows for quicker diagnosis and treatment.
• Rural areas: Limited healthcare access results in delayed diagnosis, increasing the risk of severe cases and drug-resistant TB.

2. High-Risk Occupational Groups

• Workers in construction, mining, and textile industries face higher exposure to TB due to poor ventilation and dust inhalation.
• Tea plantation workers and migrant laborers often lack consistent healthcare access, leading to undiagnosed cases.

3. Regional Variations in TB Burden

• Northern & Eastern India: States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal report higher TB incidence due to dense populations and lower healthcare access.
• Southern India: States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have better healthcare infrastructure, leading to lower TB mortality rates.
• Northeastern India: Remote areas face challenges in diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of drug-resistant TB.

4. Government Initiatives & Local Impact

• The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has helped screen 12.97 crore individuals, detecting 7.19 lakh TB cases, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases.
• AI-driven diagnostics and Ni-kshay Mitra volunteers are improving early detection and patient support in underserved regions.
• India’s TB elimination strategy is adapting to these regional challenges by expanding diagnostic networks, improving nutrition support, and leveraging technology to ensure equitable healthcare access