UAV-Launched Precision Missile: ULPGM-V3

Context: Recently, India conducted successful flight trials of ULPGM-V3 at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

About the ULPGM Project

• Introduction: The UAV-Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM) is a DRDO-developed air-to-surface missile system designed for high-precision strikes by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Manufacturing Partners: Adani Group and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
• Collaborators: MSMEs, Start-ups, and DcPPs (Development-cum-Production Partners)
• Variants: 
• • ULPGM V1: Served as the baseline prototype to validate core design and concept.
  • ULPGM V2: Marked the production-ready version with refined features.
  • ULPGM V3 (ULM-ER): Offers extended range (ER) and enhanced infrared guidance capabilities.

Key Features of ULPGM-V3 (ULM-ER)

• Extended Range Variant: Known as ULPGM-V3 or ULM-ER, it represents the latest and most advanced iteration of the missile system.
• Guidance System: Uses passive homing with an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, allowing fire-and-forget capability during both day and night operations.
  • Fire-and-forget capability allows it to strike targets autonomously after launch without needing further operator guidance.
• Range & Weight:
  • Maximum Range: 4 km (day) and 2.5 km (night)
  • Weight: 12.5 kg
• Propulsion: Equipped with a dual-thrust solid propulsion unit for improved strike performance.
• Target Capability: Effective against static and moving targets, with multiple warhead options for diverse combat scenarios.
• Communication: Features a two-way datalink for enhanced targeting coordination.

Strategic Importance

• Enhances precision strike capability from UAV platforms.
• Boosts indigenous defence manufacturing and technological self-reliance.

Startup20 Engagement Group

Context: Recently, Startup20’s third edition was launched under South Africa’s G20 presidency in Johannesburg, introducing key firsts in policy direction.

About Startup20

• Introduction: Startup20 is an official Engagement Group of the G20 launched under India’s 2023 G20 presidency to give global start-up ecosystems a dedicated policy platform.
• Organised By: Initially proposed by India and Supported by G20 presidencies.
• Structure and Governance:
• • It is supported by the G20 India Sherpa and the Startup20 secretariat. 
  • Secretariat: It functions as a central hub for coordination, communication, and administration of Startup20 activities. 
    • It will be responsible for organizing meetings, workshops, and other events to facilitate dialogue and collaboration.
  • Decision Making: Uses a consensus-based approach to develop and finalize recommendations, which are then submitted to the G20 Presidency for discussion.
•  Three Editions: India 2023, Brazil 2024 and South Africa 2025
  • Backed by global start-up leaders, MSMEs, and youth entrepreneurs.

Startup20 , 2025 Focus

• Introduced five task forces.
  • Foundation and Alliances
  • Finance and Investment
  • Inclusion and Sustainability
  • Trade and Market Access
  • Township and Rural Entrepreneurship
• Emphasised private-sector leadership and actionable policies.

About G20

• The Group of Twenty (G20) is a premier international forum for economic cooperation.
• Establishment: The G20 was established in 1999 in response to financial crises, initially as a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors.
• Members: 19 countries -Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom,the United States; the European Union and the African Union ( since 2023).
• 2025 Summit: Held  in South Africa, focusing on inclusive growth, sustainability, and global digital transformation.
• G20 Engagement Groups: It provides structured platforms for stakeholders to contribute recommendations to G20 leaders.
• Key Engagement Groups include:
• • B20 (Business), C20 (Civil Society), L20 (Labour Unions), S20 (Science), W20 (Women), T20 (Think Tanks), Y20 (Youth) and  Startup20 (Start-ups and SMEs).
  • These groups shape inclusive, stakeholder-driven policy inputs for global governance.

Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)

Context: The Union MoS for Space, informed Parliament that ISRO will launch three navigation satellites under the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) by 2026.

Satellites to be launched

• Satellites to be launched:
  • NVS-03: To be launched by the end of 2025.
  • NVS-04 and NVS-05: To follow with a six-month gap between each launch.
• These launches aim to restore full operational capability of the IRNSS system.

About IRNSS

• IRNSS, also known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), is an indigenous regional navigation satellite system developed by ISRO.
• It aims to provide reliable positioning and timing services using a combination of satellites in geosynchronous (GSO)and geostationary (GEO) orbits, supported by ground infrastructure.
• A constellation of 7 satellites to provide navigation services over India and surrounding 1,500 km radius.
• Services Provided:
  • Standard Positioning Service (SPS): Open to all users.
  • Restricted Service (RS): Encrypted, available only to authorised users (e.g. military).
• Satellites launched so far:
  • Total of 11 satellites launched under IRNSS.
  • 2 satellites (IRNSS-1H in 2017 and NVS-02 in Jan 2025) failed to function due to launch/orbit anomalies.
  • 1 satellite decommissioned after completing mission life.
  • 4 satellites currently provide only one-way message broadcasts, such as alerts during natural disasters.
  • Only 4 satellites now actively provide location data.

AI Satellites

Context: NASA is testing a new AI-enabled satellite system called Dynamic Targeting, which allows satellites to make independent decisions in orbit — without waiting for commands from Earth.

What is Dynamic Targeting?

• Dynamic Targeting is a NASA initiative to equip satellites with onboard artificial intelligence.
• This AI system enables satellites to:
  • Scan upcoming terrain in real-time.
  • Identify usable data (e.g. cloud-free images).
  • Decide whether to take a picture.
  • React without needing instructions from Earth.

Why Does It Matters ?

• Reduces data waste: Avoids capturing unusable images.
• Processing and transmitting such data wastes time, energy, and resources.
• AI Advantage: Reduces storage and bandwidth needs.
  • Allows real-time intelligent filtering of usable data.
  • Frees up human analysts from low-value data review
• Strategic Use Cases Ahead: 
  • Detecting wildfires, volcanic activity, and thermal anomalies.
  • Monitoring storm patterns, climate-related changes, and disaster zones.
  • Enables autonomous response, improving early warning systems.

Coconut Oil

Context: Coconut Oil Retail Prices Soar to ₹460/kg, highest among all Edible Oils in India

About Coconut Oil

• Coconut oil is extracted from the dried kernel of coconuts and is used both as a food item and in non-edible industries.
• Uses:  In India, out of 5.7 lakh tonnes produced annually, only 3.9 lakh tonnes are used for cooking and frying; the rest goes to cosmetics, soaps, and hair oils.
  • Coconut oil has steadily lost ground to imported edible oils like palm, soybean, and sunflower, which together account for 72% of domestic consumption.
• Features: It is rich in saturated fats, has antimicrobial properties, and has traditionally been used in southern Indian cooking, especially in Kerala.

Status of Coconut Production In India

• India is the third largest coconut-producing country in the world as of 2023 and accounted for about 31.45% of the world’s total production during FY22.
• As per Centre’s Coconut Development Board (CDB), the top three coconut producing states in India are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
• CDB is the statutory body established by the Government of India for the promotion and development of the coconut industry.
  • Operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Its headquarters is located in Kochi, Kerala.

Factors Behind the Price Surge

• Global Supply Shortfall: Leading producers Philippines and Indonesia  have witnessed lower yields due to El Niño-induced drought, reducing global exportable stock.
• Diversion for Biodiesel: The Philippines introduced mandatory blending of coconut oil-based Coconut Methyl Ester (CME) in diesel from October 2024, reducing availability for food exports.
• Export Restrictions & Aging Plantations: Indonesia is considering restrictions on raw coconut exports, while aging trees and delayed harvest cycles limit quick supply response.

Iran-E3 Nuclear Talks

Context: Amid threats of UN sanctions and following U.S.-Israel strikes, Iran held frank nuclear talks with the E3 in Istanbul on July 25, 2025.

About Iran’s Negotiations with the E3

• First High-Level Talks Post-Conflict: The Istanbul meeting marked the first formal diplomatic engagement between Iran and E3 since the June 2025 conflict of Iran with  Israel and U.S.
• Core Issues Discussed: Talks focused on sanctions relief, Iran’s uranium enrichment program, and the potential triggering of the “snapback mechanism” under the JCPOA framework.
  • “Snapback mechanism” allows immediate reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran if it violates nuclear commitments, bypassing veto power at the UN.
• Iran’s Position: Iran emphasized its non-negotiable right to peaceful uranium enrichment and criticized the E3’s stance on the recent conflict and snapback threats.
• Next Steps:  Both sides agreed to continue consultations.

About the E3 (France, Germany, United Kingdom)

• The E3 refers to France, Germany, and the UK , three European powers that have coordinated closely on foreign policy and nuclear non-proliferation since the early 2000s, especially during Iran’s nuclear crisis.
• Purpose in JCPOA: As original signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the E3 aims to prevent nuclear proliferation while promoting diplomatic resolution.
• Engagement with Iran: Despite the U.S. exit from the deal in 2018, the E3 remained engaged to keep the agreement alive, facilitate dialogue, and avert escalation.
• Current Position: They have warned of triggering the UN “snapback mechanism” before October 2025 if Iran does not return to compliance with nuclear limits under Resolution 2231.
  • Resolution 2231 (2015) of the UN Security Council endorses the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal, and outlines the process for lifting UN sanctions against Iran.

Kolhapuri Chappals

Context: Prada (Italian luxury fashion brand) recently admitted drawing inspiration from India’s centuries-old Kolhapuri chappals after facing backlash for not acknowledging their resemblance to the GI-tagged footwear.

Kolhapuri Chappals

• Place of Origin: Kolhapuri chappals originate from the city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and are also produced in surrounding regions like Sangli, Satara, and Solapur.
• Historical Background: The craft dates back to the 12th-13th century and was initially worn by royalty.
  • Boost in popularity in the 18th century due to patronage from King Shahu Maharaj.
• Cultural Significance: Symbol of regional identity and are renowned for their traditional craftsmanship.
• Material: Made from vegetable-tanned leather, sourced from cow, buffalo, or goat.
• Structure: Characterized by a T-strap design with detailed braiding and an open-toe style.
• GI Status: In 2019, granted Geographical Indication (GI) status under India’s GI Act.
  • The GI tag protects the chappals’ authenticity and includes eight districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, ensuring that only these regions can produce Kolhapuris.

Revival of Sacred Grove

Context: Sirawas village in Rajasthan successfully revived the degraded Chudasidh Adavad sacred grove.

• Chudasidh Adavad sacred grove supports around 2,000 animals, inspiring similar community-led conservation models across the region.
• The Sirawas initiative, supported by KRAPAVIS (Krishi Avam Paristhitiki Vikas Sansthan), shows how community-led efforts can restore degraded organs.

What Are Sacred Groves?

• Sacred groves are patches of forest traditionally protected by communities due to cultural, spiritual, or religious beliefs, often associated with deities or ancestral spirits.
• A 2024 Supreme Court directive has mandated mapping and official notification of sacred groves, urging proactive involvement from the Ministry of Environment for their protection.

Key Features and Roles

• Cultural Heritage: Sacred groves embody spiritual values and oral traditions of communities.
• Biodiversity Hubs: They often protect endemic and rare species of flora and fauna.
• Water Security: Groves help retain soil moisture and conserve water through check dams and ponds.
• Livelihood Support: Provide fodder, fruits, leaves, and traditional medicinal plants.
• Community Governance: Managed by local committees or traditional institutions, ensuring participatory conservation.

Examples of Sacred Groves Across India

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