|

Govt procures Nag Missile system to enhance defence capabilities

ByAjay Gulia

On March 27, 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts with Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, Force Motors Ltd, and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd to procure the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) Tracked version and 5,000 light vehicles for the Armed Forces, totaling Rs 2,500 crore.

The NAMIS (Tr) contract, worth Rs 1,801.34 crore, was developed by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory. It is an advanced fire-and-forget anti-tank weapon system designed to enhance the Indian Army’s mechanised operations and combat capabilities.

The light vehicles feature modern technology, offering enhanced engine power and an 800 kg payload capacity. They will improve mobility for the Armed Forces across various terrains and operational environments.

These procurements will boost indigenous defence manufacturing, generating employment opportunities in the MSME sector. This step reinforces the country’s defence capabilities and supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Similar Posts

  • Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles: Thousands Forced to Evacuate

    Wildfires have been wreaking havoc in Los Angeles recently, causing widespread destruction and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. The Palisades Fire, which started on January 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area, has been particularly devastating, destroying over 17,000 acres and 1,000 structures. The Eaton Fire, which also started on January 7, 2025, in Altadena, and the Sunset Fire, which ignited on January 8, 2025, in the Hollywood Hills, have caused significant damage as well.

    The fires have been fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, and extremely dry conditions. These factors have made firefighting efforts incredibly challenging, with ground crews and aerial operations struggling to contain the blazes.

    Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and President Biden has approved federal aid for California. Despite the chaos, there have been no immediate reports of deaths or injuries, though the situation remains fluid.

  • Sahityaotsav 2025: Asia’s Largest Literature Festival Begins in New Delhi

    Sahitya Akademi is hosting its annual Festival of Letters, Sahityaotsav 2025, from March 7 to 12 at Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi. This six-day literary extravaganza, inaugurated by Union Minister for Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, is Asia’s largest literature festival.

    With over 700 writers from across India, representing more than 50 languages, the festival promises to be a grand celebration of literature. The prestigious Sahitya Akademi Awards will be conferred in 23 languages, recognizing outstanding literary contributions.

    Themed “Indian Literary Traditions,” Sahityaotsav 2025 will host nearly 120 sessions, featuring young writers, women writers, North-East and tribal writers, LGBTQ writers, poets, translators, publishers, and distinguished personalities. Attendees can experience insightful discussions, readings, and presentations by renowned authors, poets, critics, and scholars.

    Open to all literature enthusiasts, the Festival of Letters is a must-visit for those passionate about India’s rich literary heritage. Entry is free, making it an inclusive platform to explore diverse literary voices and celebrate the power of words.

  • Winter Session of the Parliament from 1 to 19 December 2025

    The Winter Session of the Indian Parliament will be held from December 1 to December 19, 2025, focusing on crucial constitutional, electoral, and economic reforms amid a tense political climate. The session, convened under Article 85 of the Constitution, will include 15 sittings — one of the shortest in recent years.

    Approved by President Droupadi Murmu and announced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, the agenda includes discussions on electoral roll revisions, constitutional amendments, and economic legislation ahead of the 2026 elections.

    Speaker Om Birla has appealed for discipline and cooperation, urging MPs to avoid disruptions after previous sessions’ low productivity. Meanwhile, the Opposition has criticized the short duration and is expected to focus on vote fraud allegations and governance transparency.

  • Bill Gates in India: March 2025 Visit Highlights

    Bill Gates visited India in March 2025, focusing on fostering innovation and partnerships in healthcare, agriculture, and AI. Key highlights of his visit include:

    March 18, 2025: Gates met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision and India’s progress in digital public infrastructure, including Aadhaar and UPI. They explored the use of AI and technology for solving global challenges.

    March 19, 2025: He engaged with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, reviewing collaborative efforts in maternal health, immunization, and sanitation. They also discussed renewed healthcare partnerships.

    March 20, 2025: Gates met with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to explore advancements in climate-resilient crops, biofortification, and AI-powered farming.

  • Census of India 2027: Key Facts & Timeline

    The Government of India has officially notified the roadmap for the 16th Indian Census. This exercise is landmarked as the nation’s first-ever digital census and includes the historic addition of caste enumeration.

    1. Official Schedule & Phases

    The Census will be conducted in two distinct phases:

    PhaseActivityTimeline
    Phase IHouselisting & Housing CensusApril 1 – Sept 30, 2026
    Phase IIPopulation Enumeration (PE)February 2027
    Special CasePE for Snow-bound areas (Ladakh, HP, UK)September 2026
    • State Window: Each State/UT will choose a specific 30-day window within the Phase I period for house-to-house listing.

    2. Digital Innovation & Self-Enumeration

    • Mobile-First: Data collection via dedicated Android and iOS apps.
    • Self-Enumeration: Citizens can fill their own data online. This facility opens 15 days prior to the start of the house-to-house listing in their respective areas.
    • Paperless: This marks the end of traditional paper-based forms, ensuring faster data processing.

    3. Caste Enumeration & Special Features

    • Caste Inclusion: Decided by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, the 2027 Census will include caste-wise data collection for the first time in independent India’s census history.
    • Scope: It covers all States and Union Territories.
    • Reference Date: For the general population, the reference point is March 1, 2027.

    4. Logistics & Financials

    • Total Budget: ₹11,718.24 crore (Approved by the Union Cabinet).
    • Workforce: 30 lakh field functionaries (Enumerators, Supervisors, and Charge Officers).
    • Hierarchy: Managed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

  • Indo-French Joint Military Exercise Shakti-VIII Begins in France

    A 90-member Indian Army contingent, led by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, departed for Exercise Shakti-VIII, a joint Indo-French military exercise held from June 18 to July 1, 2025, at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie in southern France. The French side is represented by the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade.

    The biennial exercise focuses on joint operations in sub-conventional warfare under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, conducted in semi-urban terrain. It aims to enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and operational understanding between the two armies through shared drills and training in modern military technologies.

    Beyond military synergy, the exercise aims to strengthen strategic ties and camaraderie between India and France, reinforcing their growing defence partnership.