PYQ Relevance:
Question: “Although, India is second in the world to file patents, still only a few have been commercialized. Explain the reasons behind this less commercialization.” (UPSC 2024)
Reason: This question looks at how useful India’s intellectual work is. It focuses on patents instead of research papers but raises a similar point—whether filing many patents leads to real-world applications. Here, commercialization means using intellectual property, which also reflects the quality of India’s research output. |
Mentor’s Comment: At a National Science Day event in February 2025, the Union Science Minister stated that India could surpass the U.S. in scientific publications by 2029. China leads with 8,98,949 papers, followed by the U.S. (4,57,335) and India (2,07,390). He emphasized the need for large-scale investments in education and R&D to match China’s long-term scientific growth.
Today’s editorial analyzes India’s scientific publications and compares them with developed countries like the USA and China. This analysis is useful for writing answers in GS Paper 3 (UPSC Mains)
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Science officials should focus on improving the quality of India’s research publications instead of just being satisfied with the increasing number of papers.
What are the quality issues in Indian publications?
- High Presence in Predatory Journals: Many Indian researchers publish in low-quality or predatory journals that lack proper peer review. Example: A 2018 study found that 35% of papers in predatory journals came from India, reducing credibility.
- Low Citation Impact: Indian research papers often have fewer citations, indicating limited global influence and impact. Example: While China contributes heavily to high-impact journals like Nature and Science, India lags in such publications.
- Plagiarism & Research Misconduct: Cases of plagiarism, data fabrication, and duplicate publications undermine research integrity. Example: In 2019, over 1,000 Indian research papers were retracted due to ethical violations.
- Weak Industry-Academia Linkages: Research often lacks practical applications, with minimal collaboration between academia and industry. Example: Unlike China, where AI and 5G research directly benefit Huawei and Tencent, India’s industry-research link is weak.
- Limited Breakthrough Research in Frontier Technologies: India lags in deep-tech areas like AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology due to inadequate funding and infrastructure. Example: While Google (USA) and Alibaba (China) lead in quantum computing, India mostly imports technology.
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What are the key factors contributing to China’s dominance in scientific research output compared to India?
| Key Factor |
China’s Strength |
Example |
| Heavy Investment in R&D |
2.4% of GDP spent on R&D, significantly higher than India’s 0.67% |
Medium-to-Long-Term Plan (2006-2020) led to advancements in AI, biotechnology, and materials science. |
| Strong University and Institutional Support |
Massive government funding and autonomy for research institutions |
Tsinghua University, Peking University, and CAS contribute thousands of high-impact research papers annually. |
| Focus on High-Quality Publications |
Researchers publish extensively in top journals like Nature, Science, and JACS |
CAS alone contributed 444 papers in JACS (2017–2024), while all CSIR labs in India contributed only 29. |
| Strategic Talent Development and Global Collaboration |
Attracts global talent and fosters domestic researchers through international partnerships |
Thousand Talents Plan recruited top global scientists, boosting innovation. |
| Industry-Academia Linkages and Patent Filing |
Strong collaboration between research institutions and industries, leading to high patent filings |
China dominates AI, quantum computing, and 5G, with companies like Huawei, Baidu, and Tencent integrating research into industry applications. |
How does India’s research spending compare to other advanced nations, and what are the effects?
- Low R&D Expenditure as % of GDP: India spends ~0.67% of GDP on R&D, significantly lower than USA (3.4%), China (2.4%), Germany (3.1%), South Korea (4.8%), and Israel (5.6%). This leads to slower technological advancements and reduced global competitiveness. Example: India lags behind in semiconductor manufacturing, relying on imports instead of domestic production like China, Taiwan, and the US.
- Dominance of Government Funding: Government funds ~56% of R&D in India, whereas in advanced nations, private sector contributes 70-80%. The limited commercialization of research and weaker industry-academia collaboration hinder innovation.Example: ISRO’s space research is globally recognized, but private sector participation in space technology is still nascent compared to SpaceX (USA) or CASC (China).
- Lower Patent Filings & Innovation Output: India’s patent filings are much lower than leading economies. In 2023, India filed ~58,502 patents, whereas China filed 1.58 million. The slow innovation cycle increases reliance on foreign technologies. Example: China dominates 5G patents (~40%), while India relies on foreign telecom firms like Nokia and Ericsson for 5G deployment.
- Brain Drain and Researcher Exodus: Indian researchers often migrate abroad due to limited funding, better salaries, and superior research infrastructure. The talent loss weakens India’s domestic research ecosystem. Example: Many IIT and IISc graduates move to the US, UK, or Europe for research positions in top institutions like MIT, Stanford, or Oxford.
- Limited Breakthroughs in Deep-Tech & Frontier Research: India has limited presence in deep-tech areas like AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology, where the US, China, and EU invest heavily. Dependence on foreign companies for cutting-edge technology continues to grow. Example: India imports most quantum computing hardware, while Google (US) and Alibaba (China) lead the sector.
What are the major ethical concerns in Indian research, and where does India stand in research integrity?
- Plagiarism & Research Misconduct: Cases of plagiarism, data fabrication, and duplicate publications are prevalent in Indian academia. Weak enforcement of ethical guidelines leads to compromised research integrity. Example: In 2019, a major controversy arose when over 1,000 Indian research papers were retracted due to ethical violations.
- Predatory Journals & Substandard Publications: Many Indian researchers publish in low-quality or predatory journals due to pressure for academic promotions. This dilutes the credibility of Indian research on the global stage. Example: A 2018 study found that over 35% of papers in predatory journals were from India, raising concerns about academic standards.
- Lack of Strong Ethical Oversight & Whistleblower Protection: Institutional Ethics Committees (IECs) often lack independence and fail to take strict action against misconduct. Whistleblowers face retaliation, discouraging the reporting of unethical practices. Example: In cases like the AIIMS ethics review controversies, concerns were raised over conflicts of interest and leniency towards fraudulent research.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
- Increased R&D Funding & Policy Initiatives: The government has launched schemes like National Research Foundation (NRF) with a ₹50,000 crore corpus to boost R&D across sectors. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) promotes startups, research incubation, and industry-academia collaboration. Example: IMPRINT (Impacting Research Innovation and Technology) supports research in key areas like healthcare, AI, and advanced materials.
- Strengthening Research Ethics & Quality Publications: UGC-CARE List was introduced to ensure publication in quality journals and curb predatory publishing. Draft National Policy on Research and Development (2023) aims to streamline ethical research guidelines. Example: AIIMS and IITs have implemented stricter plagiarism checks and ethical review mechanisms.
- Boosting Deep-Tech & Patent Ecosystem: The National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to position India as a global leader in quantum computing and communication. Simplified patent filing processes and incentives under Start-up India & Make in India encourage innovation. Example: India’s patent filing growth (58,502 in 2023), with initiatives like Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) to develop AI, robotics, and IoT.
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Way forward:
- Increase R&D Investment & Industry Collaboration: Raise India’s R&D spending to at least 2% of GDP, with a greater role for private sector funding. Strengthen industry-academia linkages to boost innovation and commercialization, similar to China’s model.
- Enhance Research Integrity & Quality Standards: Implement stricter regulations to curb plagiarism, predatory publishing, and unethical practices. Strengthen peer review mechanisms, independent ethics committees, and whistleblower protections to uphold research credibility.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Indian education system;
Why in the News?
Recently, CBSE plans to let Class 10 students take their board exams twice a year (in February/March and May) from 2026. This change is meant to help students and follows the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
What are the key objectives of the CBSE’s proposed two-examination policy for Class 10 students starting from 2026?
- Provide a Second Chance: Students can take board exams twice in an academic year (February/March & May) to improve their scores. Example: A student who performs poorly in the first attempt due to illness can appear again without waiting a full year.
- Promote Competency-Based Learning: Shift from rote memorization to testing conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Example: Instead of asking students to memorize historical dates, the exam may include analytical questions on historical events’ impact.
- Align with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Encourage a flexible, student-friendly assessment model focused on continuous learning. Example: Like international systems (e.g., SAT in the U.S.), students get multiple opportunities to improve scores without excessive pressure.
Why does the policy raise concerns about increased student stress instead of reducing examination pressure?
- Short Remediation Window: The gap between the first (Feb/March) and second (May) exams is too short for meaningful improvement in weak areas. Example: A student struggling with math concepts in February may not get enough time to improve before the second attempt in May.
- Double the Exam Preparation Pressure: Instead of easing stress, students may feel pressured to prepare for two board exams in a short span. Example: Students may end up studying rigorously for both exams, fearing they might need a second attempt.
- Coaching-Centric Approach: The risk of coaching institutes exploiting the two-exam format may increase, leading to more emphasis on exam-focused learning rather than conceptual understanding. Example: Coaching centers may start specialized crash courses for the second attempt, pushing students into additional preparation cycles.
How could the proposed policy impact students from economically weaker sections?
- Higher Examination Fees: Students must pay a non-refundable fee covering both attempts, even if they only take one exam. Example: A student from a low-income family who performs well in the first attempt still pays for the second, increasing financial burden.
- Increased Dependence on Coaching: Private coaching centers may exploit the two-exam system, making it harder for students without financial resources to compete. Example: Wealthier students might afford special coaching for the second attempt, while economically weaker students struggle with self-study.
- Limited Access to Remedial Support: Schools may not provide structured support between the two exams, leaving underprivileged students without proper guidance. Example: A government school student scoring low in February may not have access to extra tutoring before the May exam.
- Delayed Class 11 Admissions: If second-attempt results are declared late, students from poor backgrounds may struggle with securing admissions or scholarships in time. Example: A student awaiting May results might miss out on early admissions in better schools with financial aid opportunities.
- Increased Psychological Pressure: Financial struggles combined with the pressure of performing well in two exams may cause additional stress and anxiety. Example: A student from a single-income household may feel forced to clear the first attempt to avoid extra financial strain on their family.
What changes are needed to make sure the policy follows the NEP 2020 and supports skill-based learning? (Way forward)
- Shift from Rote Learning to Competency-Based Assessment: Redesign question papers to focus on conceptual understanding, application, and problem-solving rather than memorization. Example: Instead of asking students to recall historical dates, exams should test their ability to analyze historical events and their impact.
- Structured Remedial Support Between Exams: Schools should provide focused remedial classes for students who perform poorly in the first attempt, helping them improve their conceptual understanding. Example: If a student struggles with algebra in February, they should receive targeted math coaching before the May exam.
- Flexible Examination Fee Structure: Allow students to pay for only one attempt if they do not wish to appear for both, ensuring financial equity. Example: A student confident in their preparation should not be forced to pay for a second exam they do not intend to take.
- Staggered Implementation with Pilot Studies: Conduct phased trials in diverse school settings to identify logistical and pedagogical challenges before nationwide implementation. Example: A pilot program in rural and urban schools can reveal differences in access to resources and necessary adjustments.
- Integration of Continuous and Holistic Assessment: Move towards year-round assessments that evaluate practical skills, creativity, and critical thinking, reducing reliance on a single high-stakes test. Example: Schools can introduce project-based assessments in science subjects, testing real-world application rather than just theoretical knowledge.
Mains PYQ:
Question: “National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement.” (UPSC 2020)
Reason: This question is directly linked with NEP 2020, the same policy framework that the CBSE’s ‘two-exam scheme’ claims to align with.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Gender issues;
Why in the News?
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the Supreme Court put a hold on an Allahabad High Court ruling from March 17. The High Court had stated that just grabbing a minor girl’s breasts, breaking the string of her pyjama, and trying to pull down her lower garment were not enough to consider it an attempt to rape.
What was the basis of the Allahabad High Court’s March 17 order regarding the attempt to rape charge?
- Reclassification of the Offense to Lesser Charges: Instead of attempt to rape (Section 511 IPC, Section 18 POCSO Act), the High Court downgraded the charges to Section 354(b) IPC (assault with intent to disrobe) and Section 9 POCSO Act (aggravated sexual assault).
- “Thoughtful Consideration” Despite Clear Trauma: The judgment stated that the case had been reviewed with “thoughtful consideration and meticulous examination of facts”, yet concluded that the offense of attempt to rape was not prima facie made out.
Why did the Supreme Court find the High Court’s observations “insensitive” and “inhuman”?
- Contradiction Between Facts and Conclusion: The High Court acknowledged the victim’s trauma—that the accused grabbed her breasts, broke the string of her pyjama, and tried to drag her under a culvert—but still concluded that this did not amount to an attempt to rape.
- Example: A case where an accused undresses and assaults a victim but is not charged with an attempt to rape, despite clear intent, shows a failure to apply legal principles correctly.
- Failure to Recognize the Seriousness of the Crime: The judgment downplayed the gravity of the accused’s actions by modifying the charge from attempt to rape to mere sexual assault, despite the victim being a minor.
- Delayed Judgment Despite “Thoughtful Consideration”: The case was reserved for judgment in November 2024 but the order was passed in March 2025, showing deliberate and conscious decision-making. The insensitivity was not a spur-of-the-moment error but a considered opinion.
- Misinterpretation of “Determination” to Commit Rape: The High Court ruled that the lack of direct penetration or explicit intent meant there was no determination to commit rape, ignoring legal precedents where actions leading up to rape have been considered an attempt.
- Example: In State of Maharashtra v. Mohd. Yakub (1980), the Supreme Court ruled that even preparatory acts leading to a crime can constitute an attempt. Here, forcibly undressing and dragging the minor away indicated clear criminal intent.
- Disregard for Judicial Responsibility and Victim’s Dignity: The Supreme Court highlighted that such remarks from a High Court judge could set a dangerous precedent, potentially discouraging victims from seeking justice.
What steps did the Supreme Court take after staying the Allahabad High Court’s order?
- Declared the High Court’s Observations “Insensitive and Inhuman”: The Supreme Court strongly criticized the Allahabad High Court’s order, stating that it displayed a “complete lack of sensitivity” and was “unknown to the tenets of law”. Example: Justice Gavai remarked that the judgment’s graphic description of the minor’s trauma only to dismiss the charge of attempt to rape was completely unjustified.
- Issued Notice to the Union Government and the State of Uttar Pradesh: The Court directed the Central and State governments to respond to the matter, ensuring a higher level of scrutiny and legal accountability. Example: By involving government authorities, the Supreme Court ensured that the prosecution and legal framework around sexual offenses against minors were properly examined.
- Allowed the Victim’s Mother to Join the Case: The Court granted liberty to the minor victim’s mother to implead herself in the case, ensuring that the victim’s family had a direct say in the proceedings. Example: This step allowed the victim’s mother to challenge the High Court’s dilution of charges and advocate for stronger legal action.
- Directed the Supreme Court Registry to Communicate the Order to the Allahabad High Court: The Court instructed its Registry to forward the stay order to the Allahabad High Court Chief Justice, urging necessary action against the Single Judge’s ruling. Example: This move signaled that the Supreme Court wanted the High Court’s Chief Justice to review and possibly take corrective measures on the judgment.
- Listed the Case for Further Hearing After Two Weeks: The Supreme Court scheduled the matter for further hearing, ensuring continuous judicial oversight and preventing any further miscarriage of justice. Example: This step kept the case active in the Supreme Court’s docket, preventing delays and allowing for immediate corrective action if required.
Way forward:
- Judicial Sensitization and Training on Gender Justice: Regular sensitization programs for judges, especially in cases involving sexual offenses, should be conducted to ensure judgments are aligned with the spirit of laws protecting women and minors.
- Strengthening Legal Precedents and Accountability Mechanisms: The Supreme Court should establish clear guidelines on what constitutes attempt to rape to prevent judicial misinterpretation. Review mechanisms should be in place to scrutinize judgments that dilute charges in serious offenses.
Mains PYQ:
Question: “Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. Explain. In this reference discuss the law relating to D.N.A. testing of a child in the womb to establish its paternity.” (UPSC 2024)
Reason: This question directly relates to the broader theme of gender justice, which includes the protection of women and children from sexual violence. The Supreme Court’s intervention in the High Court’s order demonstrates its commitment to upholding gender justice and ensuring a sensitive interpretation of laws related to crimes against women and children.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898)
Why in the News?
March 27 is the death anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, a prominent 19th-century reformer and educationist who significantly advanced the social and educational development of Muslims.
About Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898)
- Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was born in 1817 in Delhi, into a renowned Muslim family.
- He received education in Persian and Arabic and was well-versed in Islamic studies from an early age.
- Public Service and Recognition:
- He joined the British government’s judicial service in 1876 and was exposed to Western education and ideas, significantly influencing his later reforms.
- He served as a member of the Viceregal Council (1878-1883), the Lieutenant Governor’s Council of the North-Western Province (1887), and was involved in educational reforms as part of the Imperial Education Commission (1888) and the Royal Public Service Commission (1886).
- He was knighted by the British in 1888 for his contributions to social and educational reforms.
- Role During British Rule:
- After the 1857 revolt, Sir Syed helped change the British perception of Muslims, utilizing British support to improve Muslim progress.
- He focused on education and cultural reform within the British framework to improve Muslim society.
Key Contributions:
- Educational Reforms:
- Sir Syed founded Madrasatul Uloom in 1875, which later became Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College in 1877, laying the foundation for Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
- He encouraged English education, believing it was essential for India’s progress. His visit to England in 1869-1870 further convinced him of its importance.
- Promotion of Critical Thinking and Modernity:
- Sir Syed advocated for the reconciliation of Islamic faith with modern scientific thought and believed Islamic principles could coexist with modernity and science.
- He emphasized reason and critical thinking, opposing blind tradition.
- Social and Religious Reforms:
- He supported women’s education, opposed purdah and polygamy, and advocated for easier divorce laws.
- He criticized the Piri and Muridi System and promoted self-discipline and independent thought.
- Political Views:
- While involved in governance, Sir Syed was cautious about direct political engagement to avoid hostility from the British.
- Literary Contributions:
- Sir Syed launched 3 bilingual periodicals — The Loyal Mohammedans of India (1860), The Aligarh Institute Gazette (1866), and Tehzibul Akhlakh (1870) — to promote modernity, rational thought, and cultural pluralism, combating sectarianism and bigotry.
- Hindu-Muslim Unity:
- He once famously described Hindus and Muslims as “two eyes of the beautiful bride, that if any of the eyes hurt, made the bride ugly.” He had declared in 1884 at Gurdaspur that the Hindus and Muslims should try to become one heart and soul and act in unison.
- The Aligarh Movement:
- It aimed to modernize the Muslim community by promoting modern education while preserving Islamic values.
- It led to social reforms such as the abolition of purdah and polygamy, and the promotion of widow remarriage and women’s education.
| [UPSC 2000] Consider the following pairs:
Institution – Founder
1. Sanskrit College at Benaras – William Jones
2. Calcutta Madarsa – Warren Hastings
3. Fort William College – Arthur Wellesley
4. Muhammedan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh – Syed Ahmad Khan
How many of the above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS)
Why in the News?
The Centre has decided to discontinue the Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) starting from March 26, 2025, considering evolving market conditions.
The short-term deposits (1-3 years) will continue at the discretion of individual banks based on commercial viability, highlighting a shift towards flexible, shorter-term options.
About Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS) and its Features
- The GMS was launched in November 2015 as an enhanced version of the Gold Deposit Scheme (GDS) and Gold Metal Loan (GML) Scheme.
- The main goal was to mobilize idle gold from households and institutions into the formal economy, thereby reducing the country’s reliance on gold imports and improving the current account deficit (CAD).
- Objectives: Aimed at mobilizing gold, reducing gold imports, and utilizing gold to generate interest as a financial asset, thereby strengthening the economy.
- The GMS included three deposit options:
- Short-Term Gold Deposit (STGD): 1-3 years
- Medium-Term Gold Deposit (MTGD): 5-7 years
- Long-Term Gold Deposit (LTGD): 12-15 years
- Interest and Redemption:
- Short-Term Deposits: Interest rates determined by individual banks; redemption could be in cash or gold.
- Medium- and Long-Term Deposits: Fixed interest rates at 2.25% (medium-term) and 2.5% (long-term), with cash redemption only.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to individuals, institutions, and government entities.
- Gold tendering accepted only at designated Collection and Purity Testing Centres (CPTC) or through GMS Mobilisation Agents.
- Deposits were accepted only if the value exceeded ₹1 lakh.
Reasons for Discontinuation
- The Finance Ministry discontinued the Medium-Term and Long-Term Deposits due to changes in the gold market.
- Gold prices surged by 41.5% from ₹63,920 per 10 grams in January 2024 to ₹90,450 per 10 grams by March 2025.
- This rise in gold value reduced the attractiveness of schemes like GMS for both depositors and the government.
- With the closure of the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme, the government aims to shift towards more market-oriented solutions for gold-related financial products.
| [UPSC 2016] What is/are the purpose/purposes of the Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?
1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy.
2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector
3. To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Finance Bill
Why in the News?
Initiating the debate on the Finance Bill in the Lok Sabha, Shashi Tharoor said south Indian States have been the engines of growth and revenue but don’t get their due share from the Central pool of revenue.
About Financial Bills:
- Article 117 of the Constitution governs financial bills. It stipulates special provisions for the introduction of financial bills, outlining their requirements and procedures.
- According to Rule 219 of the Rules of Procedure of the Lok Sabha, a Finance Bill is typically introduced to give effect to the financial proposals for the next financial year or to address supplementary financial proposals.
- A Finance Bill is introduced in the Lok Sabha after the annual budget has been presented.
- The Bill does not include provisions as per Article 110 but still involves expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.
- It follows the same legislative process as an ordinary bill, where:
- Rajya Sabha can reject or amend it.
- In case of a deadlock, a joint sitting of both Houses may be convened.
- The President can either assent to the Bill or return it for reconsideration.
- All money bills are financial bills, but not all financial bills are money bills.
- Only bills that exclusively deal with matters listed in Article 110 (such as taxes, borrowing, or the management of Consolidated Fund of India ) qualify as money bills.
Types of Financial Bills:
- Type-I: Financial Bills under Article 110
- These bills contain provisions related to matters specified in Article 110(1)(a) to (f), which include taxation, borrowing, and the expenditure of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI).
- These bills are a combination of both money bills and ordinary bills. They are treated like money bills but also include non-financial matters that do not strictly fit into Article 110.
- Type-II: Financial Bills under Article 117(3)
- These bills involve expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India but do not fall under the money bill category.
- They follow the same legislative procedure as an ordinary bill and may be amended or rejected by the Rajya Sabha. In the case of disagreement between the two Houses, the President can call a joint sitting to resolve the deadlock.
| [UPSC 2022] With reference to Finance Bill and Money Bill in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:
1. When the Lok Sabha transmits Finance Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it can amend or reject the Bill.
2. When the Lok Sabha transmits Money Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend or reject the Bill, it can only make recommendations.
3. In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is no joint sitting for Money Bill, but a joint sitting becomes necessary for Finance Bill.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: VLSRSAM
Why in the News?
The DRDO has successfully tested the Vertically- Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) for the Indian Navy.
About VLSRSAM
- The VLSRSAM is a ship-borne surface-to-air missile designed to counter various aerial threats, particularly at short ranges.
- The missile is intended for neutralizing airborne threats at close ranges, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and other incoming missiles, which are critical for naval defence operations.
- The VLSRSAM weighs around 170 kg and is powered by a solid propellant.
- The missile can reach a maximum speed of Mach 4.5.
- The missile can reach altitudes of 16 km and has a range sufficient to engage high-speed targets.
- Guidance System:
- Mid-course phase: The missile uses a fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance system, ensuring stable flight towards the target.
- Terminal phase: It switches to active radar homing for precise target acquisition and guidance, ensuring that it can engage targets with high accuracy even at low altitudes.
Strategic Significance
- With advanced guidance systems, the VLSRSAM demonstrates agility and precision in targeting, ensuring it is highly effective even against fast-moving, low-flying aerial threats.
- The missile has been tested for reliability and accuracy, successfully engaging targets at close range and low altitudes.
- It is seen as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy, significantly enhancing its air defence capabilities, particularly in protecting high-value assets in the maritime domain.
| [UPSC 2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news ?
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea |
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