News in Shorts: 10 January 2026

Oreshnik Missile

Context: Russia has used the Oreshnik ballistic missile as part of a massive overnight strike on Ukraine.

About Oreshnik Missile

• Type: Oreshnik is a Russian intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile (IRBM).  
• Name & Origin: Oreshnik (Russian for “Hazel tree” or “Hazel shrub”) was developed as a variant of the RS-26 Rubezh missile.
• First revealed: Publicly acknowledged by Russia in 2024–25 amid Ukraine war escalation.
• Range: Estimated at 3,000–5,500 km
• Speed: Claimed hypersonic speeds (Mach 10+)
• Warhead: Can carry conventional or nuclear warheads; possible MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles) capability reported.
• Strategic role: Designed to deter NATO, target command centres, airbases, and critical infrastructure.
• Air Defence Challenge: Difficult for existing systems like Patriot/THAAD to intercept due to speed and trajectory.

Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)

Context: The Union Home Minister announced a three-year nationwide campaign to eliminate the drug menace in India at the 9th Apex-Level Meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) held in New Delhi., 

Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)

• NCORD is a multi-agency coordination mechanism to tackle drug trafficking and substance abuse in India.
• Establishment: Established in 2016 by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  • Re-organised and strengthened in 2019 for better operational effectiveness.
• Objectives: 
  • Improve inter-agency coordination between Centre and States.
  • Enable real-time intelligence sharing on drug networks.
  • Ensure effective enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation.
• Organisational Structure (Four-Tier):
  • Apex Level: Headed by Union Home Secretary
  • Executive Level: Headed by Special Secretary, MHA
  • State Level: Headed by Chief Secretaries
  • District Level: Headed by District Magistrates
• NCORD Portal: Centralized platform for knowledge management, data sharing, best practices, and information on drugs & enforcement.
• Supports initiatives like:
  • MANAS (Madak-Padarth Nished Asoochna Kendra) Helpline (1933 — 24×7 toll-free)
  • NIDAAN (National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco-Offenders) Portal.
  • Mission SPANDAN (Spiritual Partnership Against Narcotic Drug Abuse – Nationwide).
• Role in National Security: Treats drug trafficking as a national security threat, not merely a law-and-order issue.
  • Addresses links between drugs, terror financing, and organised crime.

Three-Year National Anti-Drug Campaign (2026–2029)

• A time-bound, target-driven campaign to make India drug-free.
• To be launched immediately after March 31, 2026, coinciding with the end of the anti-Naxal operations deadline.

National Database on IED Blasts

Context: Recently, the Union Home Minister inaugurated India’s first national digital database to systematically record, analyse and share data on IED and bomb blast incidents.

About  National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System National Database on IED Blasts (NIDMS)

• It The National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System (NIDMS) is a secure, centralized digital platform created to compile and analyse data on bomb blasts and IED incidents across India since 1999. 
• Objective: It aims TtTo strengthen counter-terrorism investigations through data-driven intelligence and inter-agency coordination.
• Nodal Body: The National Security Guard (NSG) is the nodal agency for NIDMS.
  • NSG acts as the primary force for post-blast analysis and technical assessment.
• Headquarters: NSG garrison, Manesar (Haryana).
• Access: State Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other authorised investigating agencies can access the platform under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Key Features

• Centralised Repository: Consolidates nationwide bomb and IED incident data, previously scattered across multiple agencies.
• AI-enabled Analysis: Supports advanced pattern recognition, trend analysis, and predictive assessments.
• Signature Linking: Establishes links between incidents based on location, explosives used, and circuit/modus operandi.
• Secure Data Sharing: Provides a single-click access window for authorised agencies while ensuring data security.
• Operational Integration: Linked with NSG regional hubs to support faster forensic and investigative responses.

Significance

• NIDMS enhances counter-terror preparedness, improves investigation quality, enables early threat detection, and strengthens cooperative federalism by facilitating real-time intelligence sharing among central and state agencies, thereby contributing to national security.

Zehanpora Stupas

Context: Recently, archaeological excavations at Zehanpora in north Kashmir revealed large Kushan-era stupas.

About Zehanpora Stupas

• The Zehanpora site in Baramulla district is a vast archaeological complex spread over nearly 10 acres, recently identified as a major Buddhist stupa complex period. 
• Long considered natural mounds, the site is now recognised as one of the largest Buddhist structures in Kashmir.

Key Features

• Kushan-Era Originera origin: Excavations indicate the structures belong to the Kushan period, associated with rulers like Kanishka, dating back over 2,000 years.
• Stupa-Like Plateaulike plateau: The mounds form a man-made plateau resembling large Buddhist stupas, possibly with a wooden superstructure.
• Scale And IntegrityScale and integrity: No other known archaeological site in Kashmir matches Zehanpora in size; several mounds remain undisturbed.
• Modern documentation: Mapping has been carried out using drones, remote sensing and archival photographic evidence found in France.

Cultural Significance

• Buddhist CentreBuddhist centre: The site strengthens evidence of Kashmir as an early and influential centre of Buddhist learning and practice.
• Trade RoutesTrade routes: It provides insights into ancient trans-Himalayan trade and cultural exchange routes through Kashmir.
• Mahayana Roots:Mahayana roots: Supports historical accounts that Mahayana Buddhism took shape in Kashmir before spreading to Central Asia and China.
• Heritage value: Zehanpora adds to a network of Buddhist sites across Kashmir, underscoring the region’s pluralistic and civilisational past.

District-Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT) Plan

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Textiles launched the District-Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT) plan at the National Textile Ministers’ Conference in Guwahati, Assam..

About District-Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT) Plan

• It The District-Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT) is a strategic initiative to promote inclusive, sustainable, and export-oriented growth in India’s textile sector by adopting a district-specific development approach.
• Nodal Ministry: The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, with active collaboration from State governments, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions.
• Targets
  • 100 high-potential districts to be developed as Global Export Champions.
  • 100 Aspirational Districts to be transformed into self-reliant textile hubs.
  • Strengthening district-level textile clusters to enhance competitiveness and productivity.
• Categorisation of District : Districts are classified using a data-driven scoring methodology based on Export Performance, MSME ecosystem strength, and workforce presence.
• Champion Districts: Districts with high export performance, a strong MSME ecosystem, and adequate skilled workforce, identified for scaling up, technological upgradation, and deeper global market integration.
• Aspirational Districts: Districts with latent or low export performance and weaker MSME/workforce bases, selected for ecosystem-building through skilling, formalisation, and grassroots enterprise development
• Support Framework
  • Champion Districts: Upgradation to Mega Common Facility Centres (CFCs), adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, and direct export market linkages.
  • Aspirational Districts: Basic skilling and certification, creation of Raw Material Banks, and promotion of micro-enterprises through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives.
• Approach
  • Data-driven district selection based on export performance, MSME ecosystem strength, and workforce availability.
  • Purvodaya convergence with focus on eastern and northeastern regions, including tribal belt development, improved connectivity, and Geographical Indication (GI) tagging.

Significance

• DLTT strengthens local value chains, boosts MSME participation, promotes regional equity, enhances textile exports, and aligns with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and balanced regional development.

Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication Technology

Context: Recently , the Union Road Transport Minister announced India’s rollout of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology to significantly reduce road accidents.

About Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication Technology

• Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication is an advanced road safety technology that enables vehicles to directly exchange real-time safety information, enhancing accident prevention and driver awareness without relying on mobile or internet networks.

Key Features

• Direct Vehicle communication: Vehicles share safety alerts with nearby vehicles without using cellular or internet connectivity.
• 360-Degree hazard detection: Works across front, rear and side directions, factoring in road curves and terrain.
• Beyond line-of-sight warnings: Alerts drivers to hidden hazards such as obstructions around bends or in poor visibility.
• Integration with ADAS: Embedded within Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to improve automatic braking and collision avoidance.
• Affordable deployment: Estimated cost of ₹5,000–₹7,000 per vehicle, with mandatory installation planned for new vehicles first.
• Spectrum support: Free spectrum to be provided by the Department of Telecommunications under the National Frequency Allocation Plan.

Significance

• Reduced road accidents: Enables early warnings and automatic intervention, lowering collision risks.
• Enhanced ADAS effectiveness: Complements sensor-based systems by adding cooperative intelligence between vehicles.
• Future-ready mobility: Aligns India with global intelligent transport systems and connected mobility trends.
• Public safety boost: Strengthens India’s road safety framework alongside cashless accident treatment and stricter vehicle safety norms.

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