CA-28/02/2026
Contents
01).VAYU SHAKTI–2026
02).Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
03).HPV Vaccination
04).Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway
05).e- Railway Claims Tribunal System
06).Moist Heatwave
07).Vikko Sat-1
08).Sky Sting Missile
Vayu Shakti–2026
Why in news?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted its large-scale firepower demonstration, Vayu Shakti–2026, at the Pokhran Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on February 27, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Operational Storyline: The exercise simulated a live, integrated combat theatre, showcasing swift and precise strikes in wartime-like scenarios.
- Aircraft & Systems Deployed:
- Fighter jets: Tejas, Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Hawk
- Helicopters: Apache, Prachand (LCH)
- Transport aircraft and special forces (Garud Commandos, Para SF)
- Air defence systems: Akash, Spyder, SRLM, CUAS
- Unique Features:
- Day–dusk–night operations demonstrated multi-domain readiness.
- Precision strikes mirrored Operation Sindoor, validating deterrence and rapid response capability.
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief roles were also highlighted.
Strategic Significance
- Reinforces IAF’s dominance in airspace control near the western frontier.
- Demonstrates multi-domain combat readiness — from precision strikes to tactical extractions.
- Serves as a deterrent posture while showcasing indigenous platforms like Tejas and Prachand.
Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
Why in news?
DRDO successfully conducted three back-to-back flight trials at Chandipur, Odisha. The trials validated its ability to intercept high-speed aerial targets at varying speeds, ranges, and altitudes. All tests achieved direct hits, demonstrating reliability in multiple threat scenarios.
About VSHORADS
The VSHORADS is India’s indigenously developed man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) designed to neutralize fast-moving aerial threats at short ranges. It represents a significant leap in India’s layered air defence architecture.
Key Features
- Type: 4th generation MANPADS
- Developer: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO, with Indian industry partners
- Manufacturer: Adani Defence & Aerospace, ICOMM Tele Limited
- Weight:- 20.5 kg
- Length: 2.0 m
- Warhead: 2 kg, with adaptive proximity fuze
- Engine: Dual-thrust solid rocket motor
- Range: 250 m – 6 km
- Altitude Coverage: Up to 3,500 m
- Speed: Mach 1.5
- Guidance: Dual waveband Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker
- Launch Platforms:
- Shoulder-fired
- Tripod-mounted
- Vehicle-mounted (anti-drone role)
- Naval CROSSHAIR-N system (1×8 launchers)
Strategic Importance
- Provides last-line defence against aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and drones.
- Enhances mobility and flexibility for infantry and mechanized units.
- Strengthens India’s multi-layered air defence network, complementing systems like Akash, MR-SAM, and S-400.
- Critical for border defence and naval operations, especially against low-flying threats.
Why in news?
India launched a major nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in late February 2026 to combat cervical cancer.
Key Details of the Campaign
- Target group: 14-year-old girls across all States and Union Territories.
- Vaccine used: Gardasil 4, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine protecting against HPV types 16 and 18 (linked to cervical cancer) and types 6 and 11 (which cause genital warts).
- Administration: Free vaccination at government health centres.
- Objective: To significantly reduce cervical cancer incidence, which remains a major public health concern in India.
- Scale: All States and Union Territories joined virtually during the launch event, marking it as one of India’s largest preventive health initiatives.
Significance
- Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, with thousands of new cases annually.
- Preventive vaccination at adolescence is globally recognized as the most effective way to reduce future cervical cancer burden.
- This campaign represents a shift in India’s public health strategy—expanding vaccination drives beyond childhood diseases to include adolescent preventive care
e-Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT) System
Why in news?
The e-RCT (Electronic Railway Claims Tribunal) is a newly launched digital platform by Indian Railways to modernize and simplify the process of compensation claims. It was introduced in February 2026 by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw as part of the “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative.
Key Features
- Fully Digital Process: Claimants can file, track, and manage compensation claims online without visiting tribunal offices.
- AI-Powered System: Uses artificial intelligence to streamline case management, reduce delays, and ensure faster resolution.
- Transparency & Accessibility: Litigants, advocates, and railway representatives can log in to view case status, cause lists, and judgments.
- Integration with Rail Tech Policy 2026: Supports innovation in railway governance, with funding for startups and digital reforms.
- User-Friendly Portal: Provides services like case search, objection handling, daily summaries, and downloadable judgments.
Significance
- For Passengers: Easier access to justice in cases of accidents, losses, or delays.
- For Railways: Reduced backlog of claims, improved efficiency, and enhanced public trust.
- For Innovators: Opens opportunities for startups to collaborate on railway tech solutions.
Why in news?
Recent research highlights moist heatwaves in India as a growing concern, with new studies showing they can now be predicted weeks ahead during monsoon seasons.
Key Findings from highlights
- Humidity-driven danger: Unlike dry heatwaves, moist heatwaves are fueled by high humidity as much as temperature. When sweat cannot evaporate, the body loses its cooling mechanism, leading to heat exhaustion or even fatal heatstroke within hours.
- Monsoon control: Scientists have shown that the Indian summer monsoon actively controls the timing and location of moist heatwaves. Active rainfall phases push risks toward northern and northwestern India, while monsoon breaks shift risks to eastern and southern regions.
- Weeks-ahead prediction: For the first time, forecasters can now predict moist heatwaves days to weeks in advance by tracking monsoon activity and intraseasonal oscillations. This opens the door to rescheduling outdoor events, issuing health advisories, and preparing communities.
- Adaptation potential: These forecasts could help reduce casualties, especially among vulnerable populations, and guide adaptation strategies in agriculture, urban planning, and public health.
Significance
India’s population density, outdoor labor force, and reliance on monsoon-linked agriculture make moist heatwaves particularly dangerous. The ability to forecast them weeks ahead could be transformative for:
- Public health: Early warnings to prevent heatstroke deaths.
- Economy: Protecting workers, crops, and livestock.
- Social life: Rescheduling cricket matches, festivals, and gatherings safely.
Vikko Sat-1 is a 600-gram mini-satellite developed by 13 Class XI students from Ariyakudi Government Higher Secondary School in Sivagangai district, Tamil Nadu.
About Vikko Sat-1
- A 600-gram mini satellite built by 13 Class XI students of Ariyakudi Government Higher Secondary School in Sivagangai district.
- Launched on February 13, 2026 using a helium balloon.
- Reached an altitude of 22–25 km in the stratosphere.
Purpose
- Designed to detect fungal spores in the upper atmosphere.
- Uses five specialized sensors and adhesive surfaces to capture spores.
- Helps farmers by providing early warnings about harmful fungi that can damage crops.
Significance
- Showcases how school students can apply space technology to solve local agricultural problems.
- Former ISRO director Mylswamy Annadurai praised the effort as an inspiring example of science for social good.
- Adds to Tamil Nadu’s growing reputation for student-led satellite projects.
Why in news?
India is actively considering Israel's advanced Sky Sting missile for integration into its Su-30MKI and Tejas fighters.
Key Facts
- Origin: Israel
- Developer: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
- Type: 6th-generation beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM)
- Unveiled: Paris Air Show, 2023
- Alternate Name: Formerly known as Sky Spear
- Range: 250 km
Capabilities
- Designed to outperform rivals like the European Meteor and Chinese PL-15.
- Long-range engagement allows aircraft to neutralize threats before enemy missiles are launched.
- Compatible with multiple platforms, including India’s Tejas Mk1A and Su-30MKI fighters.
Strategic Context
- India is currently in talks with Israel to acquire the Sky Sting to plug gaps in long-range air combat capability.
- The missile is still under development but has reached technological maturity.
- Seen as a potential game-changer in India’s air defense, especially against advanced Chinese and Pakistani systems.
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