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NASA’s Hubble Telescope Discovered First Starless Gas Cloud ‘Cloud-9’ In January 2026, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Hubble Telescope discovered a starless, gas-rich, dark-matter cloud, which is nicknamed ‘Cloud-9’.The results related to Cloud-9 were published in ‘The Astrophysical Journal Letters’, and later presented at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix.What? Discovery of starless, dark-matter dominated cloudDiscovered by: NASA’s Hubble TelescopeFound Near: Messier 94 (M94)Distance from Earth: 14 million light-yearsNicknamed: Cloud-9Key Specifications:Neutral Hydrogen gas (about 1 million solar masses);4,900 light-years in diameter;dark matter (around 5 billion solar masses)About Cloud-9:Location: This newly discovered dark matter-dominated cloud, considered a ‘relic’ or remnant of early galaxy formation, is located 14 million light-years from Earth near the spiral galaxy Messier 94 (M94).Composition: Cloud-9 is also called a Reionization-Limited HI Cloud (RELHIC) as both have nearly same composition.For instance both REHLIC and Cloud-9 are composed of neutral hydrogen (with a mass of about 1 million times that of the Sun) and dominated by dark matter and have same diameter i.e. about 4,900 light-years.The mass of Cloud-9’s dark matter is projected to be about 5 billion solar masses.Key Feature: Cloud-9 is invisible in visible light and only detectable by its hydrogen, which makes it a rare ‘fossil’ from the universe early days.Discovery Timeline: Discovered in 2023 via China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope(FAST) radio telescope and in 2025 Very Large Array(VLA)/Green Bank Telescope(GBT) confirm neutral hydrogen core. In Jan 2026 Hubble’s Advanced Camera finds no stars within boundaries.
NASA’s Hubble Telescope Discovered First Starless Gas Cloud ‘Cloud-9’ In January 2026, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Hubble Telescope discovered a starless, gas-rich, dark-matter cloud, which is nicknamed ‘Cloud-9’.The results related to Cloud-9 were published in ‘The Astrophysical Journal Letters’, and later presented at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix.What? Discovery of starless, dark-matter dominated cloudDiscovered by: NASA’s Hubble TelescopeFound Near: Messier 94 (M94)Distance from Earth: 14 million light-yearsNicknamed: Cloud-9Key Specifications:Neutral Hydrogen gas (about 1 million solar masses);4,900 light-years in diameter;dark matter (around 5 billion solar masses)About Cloud-9:Location: This newly discovered dark matter-dominated cloud, considered a ‘relic’ or remnant of early galaxy formation, is located 14 million light-years from Earth near the spiral galaxy Messier 94 (M94).Composition: Cloud-9 is also called a Reionization-Limited HI Cloud (RELHIC) as both have nearly same composition.For instance both REHLIC and Cloud-9 are composed of neutral hydrogen (with a mass of about 1 million times that of the Sun) and dominated by dark matter and have same diameter i.e. about 4,900 light-years.The mass of Cloud-9’s dark matter is projected to be about 5 billion solar masses.Key Feature: Cloud-9 is invisible in visible light and only detectable by its hydrogen, which makes it a rare ‘fossil’ from the universe early days.Discovery Timeline: Discovered in 2023 via China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope(FAST) radio telescope and in 2025 Very Large Array(VLA)/Green Bank Telescope(GBT) confirm neutral hydrogen core. In Jan 2026 Hubble’s Advanced Camera finds no stars within boundaries.
NASA’s Hubble Telescope Discovered First Starless Gas Cloud ‘Cloud-9’ In January 2026, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Hubble Telescope discovered a starless, gas-rich, dark-matter cloud, which is nicknamed ‘Cloud-9’.The result...
K. Balasubrahmanian Assumes Charge as Chairman of AERBIn January 2026, the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, appointed distinguished scientist A. K. Balasubrahmanian as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), India’s apex nuclear safety regulator, for three years.He succeeded Dr. D.K. Shukla, who completed his tenure on December 31, 2025.What? Appointment of Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)Who? A. K. BalasubrahmanianAppointed by: Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)Tenure: 3 yearsSucceeds: Dr. D. K. Shukla.About A.K. BalasubrahmanianExperience: His career spans almost 40 years in the design, development, safety assessment, construction, and commissioning of Nuclear Power Plants (NPP).Key Role: Held the position of Director (Technical) on the Board of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).Previous Role: He served as Chairman of the Project Design Safety Committee for Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)-based nuclear power plants and as a member of theSafety Review Committee for Operating Plants (SARCOP) of the AERB.Innovation: Contributed to first-of-a-kind systems with indigenous safety features, promoted self-reliance in nuclear reactor technology, and represented India in international conferences and technical forums on reactor technology and safety.About AERB: It was constituted on November 15, 1983 by the former President of India, Giani Zail Singh under the Atomic Energy Act(AEA), 1962, and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.GoI Extends Abhishek Dev Tenure as Chairman of APEDA On January 6, 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi,approved a one-year extension of Abhishek Dev’s tenure as Chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoC&I), effective from February 8, 2026.What? Abhishek Dev Tenure as Chairman of APEDA extendedWho? Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)Tenure: One yearEffective From: 8 February 2026About Abhishek Dev:Profile: He is a 2007-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Arunachal Pradesh (AR)-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre.Leadership Roles: He served as Director in the Department of Commerce(DoC), MoC&I from 2021 to 2023.In July 2023, he was appointed as the Chairman of the APEDA.About APEDA: Based in New Delhi, APEDA was established in 1985 under the APEDA Act, 1985. It is responsible for the promotion, development and regulation of exports of agricultural and processed food products such as fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy, cereals, processed foods and organic products.
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IRFC Secures ‘Excellent’ Rating from DPE for 5th Consecutive YearIn January 2026, Indian Railways Finance Corporation(IRFC), a ‘Navratna’ Central Public Enterprise (CPSE) working under the Ministry of Railways (MoR), has been awarded ‘Excellent’ rating by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), for the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25).This marks the 5th consecutive year for IRFC to achieve the highest performance rating ever since it was listed in FY21.What? IRFC Secured Excellent Rating for FY25From: DPEFor: 5th consecutive yearSignificance: Reflects strong institutional performance, resilience, and consistent deliveryKey Details:Significance: This sustained recognition indicates IRFC’s ability to navigate emerging challenges and maintain institutional strength, and deliver consistently strong performance.Whole-of-Approach: During FY25, IRFC continued to bolster and diversify its lending portfolio in a structured manner, which is in alignment with “Whole-of-Approach”.IRFC: Established in 1986, IRFC serves as the MoR’s dedicated financing arm, supporting railway projects and related infrastructure sectors.In its IRFC 2.0 phase, it reached the annual sanction target of Rs.60,000 crore by the third quarter (October–December) of FY26.
IRFC Secures ‘Excellent’ Rating from DPE for 5th Consecutive YearIn January 2026, Indian Railways Finance Corporation(IRFC), a ‘Navratna’ Central Public Enterprise (CPSE) working under the Ministry of Railways (MoR), has been awarded ‘Excellent’ rating by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), for the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25).This marks the 5th consecutive year for IRFC to achieve the highest performance rating ever since it was listed in FY21.What? IRFC Secured Excellent Rating for FY25From: DPEFor: 5th consecutive yearSignificance: Reflects strong institutional performance, resilience, and consistent deliveryKey Details:Significance: This sustained recognition indicates IRFC’s ability to navigate emerging challenges and maintain institutional strength, and deliver consistently strong performance.Whole-of-Approach: During FY25, IRFC continued to bolster and diversify its lending portfolio in a structured manner, which is in alignment with “Whole-of-Approach”.IRFC: Established in 1986, IRFC serves as the MoR’s dedicated financing arm, supporting railway projects and related infrastructure sectors.In its IRFC 2.0 phase, it reached the annual sanction target of Rs.60,000 crore by the third quarter (October–December) of FY26.
IRFC Secures ‘Excellent’ Rating from DPE for 5th Consecutive YearIn January 2026, Indian Railways Finance Corporation(IRFC), a ‘Navratna’ Central Public Enterprise (CPSE) working under the Ministry of Railways (MoR), has been awarded ‘Excellent’ rati...
Federal Bank Unveils Refreshed Brand Entity ‘The Fortuna Wave’ On January 7, 2026, Federal Bank Limited, an Indian private sector bank, launched ‘The Fortuna Wave’, a refreshed brand identity, as part of a strategic brand refresh to signal modernization and future-readiness, in Mumbai (Maharashtra) in the presence of Vidya Balan, brand ambassador of the bank.What? Federal Bank Unveils Refreshed Brand Entity ‘The Fortuna Wave’Where? In Mumbai (Maharashtra)Brand Ambassador: Vidya BalanLogo : Three waves representing authenticity, togetherness, prosperityDesign : Fluid, adaptable, rounded wordmark, yellow underline, digital-friendly paletteAbout The Fortuna Wave:Logo & Insignia: The central feature of the refresh is “Fortuna Wave”, a new visual insignia, which consists of three wave elements such as authenticity, togetherness, and prosperity.The design is more fluid and adaptable compared with the older boxed structure, improving visibility across digital and physical platforms.Visual Features: It includes a dynamic wave motif, fluid, rounded typeface for the ‘FEDERAL BANK’ wordmark, signature yellow underline retained, and vibrant and digital-friendly color palette.About Federal Bank: Incorporated in 1931 in Aluva(Kerala), Federal Bank offers a wide range of services including savings and current accounts, loans, digital banking, and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) services.
Federal Bank Unveils Refreshed Brand Entity ‘The Fortuna Wave’ On January 7, 2026, Federal Bank Limited, an Indian private sector bank, launched ‘The Fortuna Wave’, a refreshed brand identity, as part of a strategic brand refresh to signal modernization and future-readiness, in Mumbai (Maharashtra) in the presence of Vidya Balan, brand ambassador of the bank.What? Federal Bank Unveils Refreshed Brand Entity ‘The Fortuna Wave’Where? In Mumbai (Maharashtra)Brand Ambassador: Vidya BalanLogo : Three waves representing authenticity, togetherness, prosperityDesign : Fluid, adaptable, rounded wordmark, yellow underline, digital-friendly paletteAbout The Fortuna Wave:Logo & Insignia: The central feature of the refresh is “Fortuna Wave”, a new visual insignia, which consists of three wave elements such as authenticity, togetherness, and prosperity.The design is more fluid and adaptable compared with the older boxed structure, improving visibility across digital and physical platforms.Visual Features: It includes a dynamic wave motif, fluid, rounded typeface for the ‘FEDERAL BANK’ wordmark, signature yellow underline retained, and vibrant and digital-friendly color palette.About Federal Bank: Incorporated in 1931 in Aluva(Kerala), Federal Bank offers a wide range of services including savings and current accounts, loans, digital banking, and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) services.
Federal Bank Unveils Refreshed Brand Entity ‘The Fortuna Wave’ On January 7, 2026, Federal Bank Limited, an Indian private sector bank, launched ‘The Fortuna Wave’, a refreshed brand identity, as part of a strategic brand refresh to signal moderniz...
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HDFC Bank Integrates Digital Rupee CBDC into SmartGateway PlatformIn January 2026, HDFC Bank integrated the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the Digital Rupee (e₹), into its online merchant payment platform, SmartGateway.What: Integration of RBI’s Digital Rupee (CBDC) into SmartGatewayBy Whom: HDFC BankPlatform: SmartGatewayKey Feature: Zero transaction cost for merchantsObjective: To provide a secure, sovereign-backed digital payment option.About CBDC Integration:Platform: SmartGateway now supports the RBI-backed Digital Rupee (CBDC) alongside existing payment options like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cards, and net banking.Cost: Merchants can accept Digital Rupee payments at zero transaction cost, with an intermediary-free, efficient settlement process.Customers: Enables a seamless, instant, and secure digital payment experience combining UPI convenience with sovereign-backed digital currency.Impact: Strengthens the bank’s digital-first strategy and supports India’s transition to a cash-light, inclusive digital economy.
HDFC Bank Integrates Digital Rupee CBDC into SmartGateway PlatformIn January 2026, HDFC Bank integrated the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the Digital Rupee (e₹), into its online merchant payment platform, SmartGateway.What: Integration of RBI’s Digital Rupee (CBDC) into SmartGatewayBy Whom: HDFC BankPlatform: SmartGatewayKey Feature: Zero transaction cost for merchantsObjective: To provide a secure, sovereign-backed digital payment option.About CBDC Integration:Platform: SmartGateway now supports the RBI-backed Digital Rupee (CBDC) alongside existing payment options like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cards, and net banking.Cost: Merchants can accept Digital Rupee payments at zero transaction cost, with an intermediary-free, efficient settlement process.Customers: Enables a seamless, instant, and secure digital payment experience combining UPI convenience with sovereign-backed digital currency.Impact: Strengthens the bank’s digital-first strategy and supports India’s transition to a cash-light, inclusive digital economy.
HDFC Bank Integrates Digital Rupee CBDC into SmartGateway PlatformIn January 2026, HDFC Bank integrated the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the Digital Rupee (e₹), into its online merchant payment platform, SmartGa...
DRDO Celebrates 68th Foundation Day in DelhiOn January 01, 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), celebrated its 68th Foundation Day at New Delhi, Delhi.Union Minister Rajnath Singh, MoD; Union Minister of State (MoS) Sanjay Seth, MoD; Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence, Research and Development (R&D), MoD, were present at the event.DRDO’s 2025 Strategic Overview & Milestones:Vision: DRDO is reaffirmed as a pivotal force in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, driving India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem with a future focus on Cyber, Space, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).Approvals: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and Strategic Policy Board (SPB) accorded 22 Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals worth ~Rs.1.30 lakh crore, facilitating Indian industry in the production of critical defence systems.Contracts: As part of its expanding operational footprint, 11 defence contracts worth Rs.26,000 crore were signed with production partners.Induction: Multiple DRDO -developed systems have been inducted into Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Police Forces, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), expanding operational reach beyond the Indian Armed Forces.
DRDO Celebrates 68th Foundation Day in DelhiOn January 01, 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), celebrated its 68th Foundation Day at New Delhi, Delhi.Union Minister Rajnath Singh, MoD; Union Minister of State (MoS) Sanjay Seth, MoD; Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence, Research and Development (R&D), MoD, were present at the event.DRDO’s 2025 Strategic Overview & Milestones:Vision: DRDO is reaffirmed as a pivotal force in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, driving India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem with a future focus on Cyber, Space, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).Approvals: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and Strategic Policy Board (SPB) accorded 22 Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals worth ~Rs.1.30 lakh crore, facilitating Indian industry in the production of critical defence systems.Contracts: As part of its expanding operational footprint, 11 defence contracts worth Rs.26,000 crore were signed with production partners.Induction: Multiple DRDO -developed systems have been inducted into Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Police Forces, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), expanding operational reach beyond the Indian Armed Forces.
DRDO Celebrates 68th Foundation Day in DelhiOn January 01, 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), celebrated its 68th Foundation Day at New Delhi, Delhi.Union Minister Rajnath Singh, MoD; ...
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MIB’s WaveX Signs MoU with FITT–IIT Delhi to Boost Media-Tech InnovationIn January 2026, WaveX, the startup accelerator initiative under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.The agreement, signed in the presence of Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, MIB, aims to accelerate media technology entrepreneurship in India through innovation, incubation, and ecosystem development.What? MoU signed to Boost Media-Tech InnovationEntities: WaveX and FITT–IIT DelhiWhere? Shastri Bhawan, New DelhiIn Presence of: Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, MIBFocus: Broadcasting, entertainment, communication technologiesAbout the MoU between WaveX and FITT–IIT Delhi: Focus: The partnership focuses on broadcasting, entertainment, communication, and emerging media technologies.FITT Role: FITT, IIT Delhi will support implementation, provide strategic and operational guidance, enable ecosystem linkages, and offer technical, Intellectual Property (IP), and capacity-building support for incubation centres.WaveX Role: WaveX will act as the national facilitator by providing funding, policy guidance, infrastructure access, industry partnerships, and global market exposure for startups.Leadership: WaveX is envisioned as a national catalyst for establishing world-class Media & Entertainment (M&E) incubation facilities through integrated policy, academic, and industry collaboration.WaveX: It is a national M &E technology innovation and incubation initiative under the MIB, implemented by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in 2025.
MIB’s WaveX Signs MoU with FITT–IIT Delhi to Boost Media-Tech InnovationIn January 2026, WaveX, the startup accelerator initiative under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.The agreement, signed in the presence of Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, MIB, aims to accelerate media technology entrepreneurship in India through innovation, incubation, and ecosystem development.What? MoU signed to Boost Media-Tech InnovationEntities: WaveX and FITT–IIT DelhiWhere? Shastri Bhawan, New DelhiIn Presence of: Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, MIBFocus: Broadcasting, entertainment, communication technologiesAbout the MoU between WaveX and FITT–IIT Delhi: Focus: The partnership focuses on broadcasting, entertainment, communication, and emerging media technologies.FITT Role: FITT, IIT Delhi will support implementation, provide strategic and operational guidance, enable ecosystem linkages, and offer technical, Intellectual Property (IP), and capacity-building support for incubation centres.WaveX Role: WaveX will act as the national facilitator by providing funding, policy guidance, infrastructure access, industry partnerships, and global market exposure for startups.Leadership: WaveX is envisioned as a national catalyst for establishing world-class Media & Entertainment (M&E) incubation facilities through integrated policy, academic, and industry collaboration.WaveX: It is a national M &E technology innovation and incubation initiative under the MIB, implemented by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in 2025.
MIB’s WaveX Signs MoU with FITT–IIT Delhi to Boost Media-Tech InnovationIn January 2026, WaveX, the startup accelerator initiative under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Foundatio...
Simplilearn Joins IndiaAI Mission to Accelerate AI Literacy for 10 Million CitizensIn January 2026, Simplilearn, a leading global digital upskilling platform, entered into a strategic partnership with the IndiaAI(Artificial Intelligence) Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to host as well as roll out the national ‘YUVA AI for ALL’, a free national course to help everyone understand AI, on its learning platform.This collaboration represents a major milestone in India’s journey towards building a widespread AI learning ecosystem.What? Simplilearn collaborated with IndiaAI MissionFor: Roll out of YUVA AI for ALL, foundational courseHost Platform: SimplilearnCourse Coverage: Fundamentals of AI and its impactTarget: Democratize AI literacy for 10 million citizensKey Details of Partnership:Objective: By hosting the program on Simplilearn’s platform, IndiaAI mission aims to expand the reach of the course, which will make the learning of AI basics available for students, professionals and citizens across the country.Certificate: As per this strategic partnership, the learners enrolled under the YUVA for ALL course will receive a co-branded certificate issued by IndiaAI and Simplilearn.Key Role: The course will combine Simplilearn’s edtech expertise and structured content with MeitY’s comprehensive AI and technology resources, providing a standardized and easily accessible framework for foundational AI education.Key Target: To democratize AI education and promote 10 million citizens to pursue and acquire basic AI knowledge.
Simplilearn Joins IndiaAI Mission to Accelerate AI Literacy for 10 Million CitizensIn January 2026, Simplilearn, a leading global digital upskilling platform, entered into a strategic partnership with the IndiaAI(Artificial Intelligence) Mission, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to host as well as roll out the national ‘YUVA AI for ALL’, a free national course to help everyone understand AI, on its learning platform.This collaboration represents a major milestone in India’s journey towards building a widespread AI learning ecosystem.What? Simplilearn collaborated with IndiaAI MissionFor: Roll out of YUVA AI for ALL, foundational courseHost Platform: SimplilearnCourse Coverage: Fundamentals of AI and its impactTarget: Democratize AI literacy for 10 million citizensKey Details of Partnership:Objective: By hosting the program on Simplilearn’s platform, IndiaAI mission aims to expand the reach of the course, which will make the learning of AI basics available for students, professionals and citizens across the country.Certificate: As per this strategic partnership, the learners enrolled under the YUVA for ALL course will receive a co-branded certificate issued by IndiaAI and Simplilearn.Key Role: The course will combine Simplilearn’s edtech expertise and structured content with MeitY’s comprehensive AI and technology resources, providing a standardized and easily accessible framework for foundational AI education.Key Target: To democratize AI education and promote 10 million citizens to pursue and acquire basic AI knowledge.
Simplilearn Joins IndiaAI Mission to Accelerate AI Literacy for 10 Million CitizensIn January 2026, Simplilearn, a leading global digital upskilling platform, entered into a strategic partnership with the IndiaAI(Artificial Intelligence) Mission, un...
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Indian Army Grants Supply Order to Tata Advanced Systems for Pinaka MLRS OverhaulIn January 2026, the Indian Army (IA) granted a supply order to Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), an aerospace and defence arm of the Tata Group, to support the overhaul-cum-upgradation of in-service first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Battery Command Posts (BCPs), marking a public–private partnership (PPP) in defence sustainment, at an event held in New Delhi, Delhi.What? Grants Supply Order for Pinaka MLRS OverhaulBy Whom? Indian Army (IA).Recipient: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)Model: Public–Private Partnership (PPP)Implementation Agency: 510 Advance Base Workshop (ABW) under the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME).Indigenization: Nearly 80%.Strategic Goal: Sustained availability and peak performance of frontline artillery systems.Phased Overhaul Programme:Pilot Overhaul Phase: As part of the collaboration, TASL, in partnership with the IA’s 510 Advance Base Workshop (ABW), will jointly carry out a pilot overhaul of selected Pinaka MLRS and BCPs during the initial phase.Full-Scale Overhaul Phase: After the pilot phase, the remaining Pinaka MLRS and BCPs will be overhauled by the 510 ABW(Meerut, Uttar Pradesh,UP) of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME).Technical Support: TASL provides engineering expertise, certified spares, and quality assurance for the overhaul programme.Coordinator: TASL ensures close coordination with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to support sustained availability of frontline artillery systems.Overview of Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS):Development: Jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) and TASL with a modular, future-ready design and software architecture.Since 1989, TASL and DRDO have collaborated on the Pinaka programme, delivering key contracts in 2006, 2016, and 2020, with systems in service for over 15 years and upgraded in later batches.Role: An all-weather, indirect-fire artillery system delivering high-volume firepower with net-centric operational capability.Platform: Mounted on an 8×8 High Mobility Vehicle (HMV), enabling high mobility and effective performance in difficult terrain.Mobility: Equipped with automated ‘shoot-and-scoot’ capability for rapid deployment and enhanced survivability.Firecontrol: Incorporates a microprocessor-based all-electric servo drive and Inertial Navigation System (INS)-based digital fire control for precise targeting.Rockets: Fires Pinaka Mk-I rockets and is adaptable for future guided variants with extended ranges of 120 kilometer (km) and 300 km.Indigenous: Achieves nearly 80% indigenous content, enhancing self-reliance and strategic autonomy in defence manufacturing.About Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL):Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Sukaran SinghHeadquarters – Hyderabad, TelanganaEstablished – 2006
NITI Aayog Launches 5th Edition of ‘Trade Watch Quarterly’ ReportIn January 2026, Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog launched the 5th edition of ‘Trade Watch Quarterly (TWQ) for Quarter 1 (Q1:April-June, 2025) of Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26), in New Delhi, Delhi. The report provides a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of India’s trade performance in the context of evolving global economic conditions.Key Highlights of Report:Focus:The key focus of this latest edition was India’s automotive exports sector, examining international demand patterns, India’s export presence across vehicles and auto components, tariff structures and participation in global value chains.Auto-Components Market: The global auto-components market reached USD 856 billion in 2024, growing at a 3% CAGR since 2015, while India’s exports nearly doubled from USD 8.2 billion to USD 16.9 billion, achieving a faster 7% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the same period.Automotive Exports: Since 2015, India’s share of the global automotive import market has stayed around 1%, with exports growing at a CAGR of 3.5%, slightly below the global average of 3.9%.The report highlighted that India, while performing well in certain automotive segments, contributes only ~USD 30 billion (1.4%) to the USD 2.2‑trillion global automotive import market in 2024, indicating significant scope to expand its share.Goods and Services Trade: As per the report, the global trade in goods and services increased around 2.5% on quarterly basis during Q1FY26, driven mainly by developing economies and rising South-South trade, even as the United States of America (USA) trade weighed on the global average.It further highlighted Goods trade increased from 2% to 2.5%, while service trade rebounded.The report also revealed that India’s goods and services exports and imports reached USD 209 billion and USD 230 billion, respectively in Q1FY26, each increasing by around 3-4% on an annual basis, registering a combined deficit of USD 21 billion.
NITI Aayog Launches 5th Edition of ‘Trade Watch Quarterly’ ReportIn January 2026, Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog launched the 5th edition of ‘Trade Watch Quarterly (TWQ) for Quarter 1 (Q1:April-June, 2025) of Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26), in New Delhi, Delhi. The report provides a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of India’s trade performance in the context of evolving global economic conditions.Key Highlights of Report:Focus:The key focus of this latest edition was India’s automotive exports sector, examining international demand patterns, India’s export presence across vehicles and auto components, tariff structures and participation in global value chains.Auto-Components Market: The global auto-components market reached USD 856 billion in 2024, growing at a 3% CAGR since 2015, while India’s exports nearly doubled from USD 8.2 billion to USD 16.9 billion, achieving a faster 7% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the same period.Automotive Exports: Since 2015, India’s share of the global automotive import market has stayed around 1%, with exports growing at a CAGR of 3.5%, slightly below the global average of 3.9%.The report highlighted that India, while performing well in certain automotive segments, contributes only ~USD 30 billion (1.4%) to the USD 2.2‑trillion global automotive import market in 2024, indicating significant scope to expand its share.Goods and Services Trade: As per the report, the global trade in goods and services increased around 2.5% on quarterly basis during Q1FY26, driven mainly by developing economies and rising South-South trade, even as the United States of America (USA) trade weighed on the global average.It further highlighted Goods trade increased from 2% to 2.5%, while service trade rebounded.The report also revealed that India’s goods and services exports and imports reached USD 209 billion and USD 230 billion, respectively in Q1FY26, each increasing by around 3-4% on an annual basis, registering a combined deficit of USD 21 billion.
NITI Aayog Launches 5th Edition of ‘Trade Watch Quarterly’ ReportIn January 2026, Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog launched the 5th edition of ‘Trade Watch Quarterly (TWQ) for Quarter 1 (Q1:April-...
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