- Successful Trials: DRDO conducted successful release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from the Su-30 MKI aircraft between April 8-10, 2025.
- Indigenously Developed: ‘Gaurav’ is an indigenously designed and developed air-launched precision-guided weapon.
- Purpose: Designed for accurate strikes on land targets from standoff distances, avoiding enemy air defenses.
- Range: Demonstrated a range close to 100 km with pinpoint accuracy, and has an operational range between 30 km to 150 km.
- Weight: The winged version ‘Gaurav’ weighs 1,000 kg.
- Navigation: Utilizes Inertial Navigation System (INS), satellite guidance, and digital control system.
- Integration: Successfully integrated with multiple stations on the Su-30 MKI in various warhead configurations, hitting a land target on an Island.
- Significance: Enhances India’s precision strike capabilities and promotes indigenous defense development.
- Industry Collaboration: Developed with support from Development-cum-Production Partners, including Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge, and various MSMEs.
- Impact: Paves the way for induction into the Indian Air Force, increasing capabilities of the Armed Forces.
DEW: Directed Energy
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Successful Trial: India successfully tested the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
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Advanced Technology: India joins a select group (US, China, Russia) possessing advanced DEW technology.
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DEW Explained: DEWs use focused energy (lasers, microwaves) to damage/destroy targets without projectiles. They offer precision, speed-of-light engagement, and cost-effectiveness.
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Mk-II(A) Features:
- A 30-kilowatt vehicle-mounted laser system.
- Developed by DRDO and Indian collaborators.
- Effective range up to 3.5 km.
- Uses radar/EO systems for target acquisition.
- Destroys UAVs, drone swarms, and disables surveillance equipment.
- Can shoot down drones and missiles in seconds.
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Strategic Significance: Showcases India’s self-reliance
in defense technology (Atmanirbhar Bharat). Provides a rapid, cost-effective means of defense against aerial threats.
Article 143
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Supreme Court’s Ruling on Article 143: The Supreme Court has stated that the President “ought to” seek its opinion under Article 143 of the Indian Constitution when a Governor reserves a bill for the President’s consideration due to perceived unconstitutionality. This stems from the April 8, 2025 judgement.
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Article 143 and Advisory Jurisdiction: Article 143 grants the President the power to seek advisory opinions from the Supreme Court on matters of public importance, particularly on questions of law or fact.
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President’s Role as a Prudent Measure: The Court clarified that while seeking the SC’s opinion is not mandatory, it is a prudent measure, especially for bills reserved on grounds of perceived unconstitutionality. The Court cited recommendations from the Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions.
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Value of SC’s Opinion: The Supreme Court’s opinion under Article 143 holds high persuasive value and should be accepted by the legislature and the executive.
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Court’s Approach to References: The SC will exercise restraint when evaluating such references and would refuse to express its advisory opinion if questions are purely socio-economic or political in nature, and not related to the constitution.
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Preventing Unconstitutional Bills: The Court believes using Article 143 can help avoid challenges to the bill’s validity, save public resources, and respect the legislature by providing the constitutional functionaries to review the bill, and take appropriate actions.
Kavach 5.0: Evolved
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Kavach 5.0 Announced: Union Minister for Railways announced Kavach 5.0, the next iteration of India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.
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Building on Kavach 4.0: Kavach 4.0 is already being deployed across Indian Railways, and Kavach 5.0 aims to further enhance train safety.
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Kavach System Overview: Kavach is designed to prevent train collisions by automatically applying brakes if the loco pilot fails to act. It uses RFID tags and optical fiber cables for train tracking and data
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Mumbai Local Focus: Kavach 5.0 is specifically being developed with the Mumbai local train system in mind. Its development is projected to be completed by the end of December.
Increased Train Frequency: Kavach 5.0 aims to reduce the headway (time gap) between trains, potentially enabling a 30% increase in the number of train services. This would improve service frequency and accommodate more passengers.
Addressing Mumbai Local Demands: Implementation aims to improve infrastructure, technology, and trains.
Mumbai Infrastructure Upgrades: Projects worth approximately ₹17,000 crore are underway to improve Mumbai’s rail infrastructure.