News in Shorts: 30 December 2025

Magnetic Levitation (Maglev)

Context: China set a world record by accelerating a superconducting maglev vehicle to 700 km/h in just two seconds, showcasing advances in high-field superconducting magnet technology.

About Magnetic Levitation (Maglev)

Magnetic levitation is a technology in which objects are suspended and propelled using magnetic forces, eliminating physical contact, friction, and mechanical wear.

It was conceptualized by Robert Goddard and Emile Bachelet in the early 1900s.

How It Works

• Maglev systems use strong magnetic fields generated by electromagnets or superconducting magnets to counteract gravity and stabilize motion.
• Electromagnetic suspension (EMS) or electrodynamic suspension (EDS) lifts the vehicle, while linear motors provide propulsion and guidance along the track.
  • Electrodynamic Suspension (EDS) is produced when superconducting magnets induce currents in guideway coils, generating repulsive forces that levitate and stabilize vehicles at high speeds.

Magnetic Field Sources in Advanced Applications

• High magnetic fields are crucial for efficiency in systems like magnetic refrigeration, catalysis, and maglev transport, as performance scales directly with field strength.
• Superconducting magnets generate very high fields but require cryogenic cooling, limiting their use to industrial or research applications.
• Permanent magnets, especially Nd-Fe-B magnets, offer compact, energy-efficient alternatives for commercial and automotive uses.

Applications of Magnetic Levitation

• High-Speed Transportation: Maglev trains enable ultra-fast, low-friction travel with reduced energy loss and maintenance requirements.
• Industrial and Scientific Systems: Used in magnetic refrigeration, reactors, and precision equipment where contactless motion and high efficiency are essential.
• Future Technologies: Potential applications include hyperloop transport, vacuum-tube travel, and assisted aerospace launch systems.

Significance

• Advances in magnetic field generation are driving breakthroughs across transport, energy efficiency, and low-carbon technologies.

Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch System (MRLS)

Context: DRDO successfully tested the 120-km Long-Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) from an in-service Pinaka launcher, marking a major boost to India’s long-range artillery capability.

About Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch System (MRLS)

• Pinaka MRLS is a battle-proven, all-weather, indirect area-fire artillery weapon system that delivers rapid and high-volume firepower against enemy targets.
• Developed By : The system has been indigenously developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), with support from other DRDO laboratories.
• Operational Background: Pinaka was first deployed during the Kargil War, where it effectively neutralised enemy positions in difficult mountainous terrain.

Key Features of Pinaka MRLS

• Firepower and Configuration: Each launcher carries 12 rockets, and a standard battery comprises six launchers, enabling the firing of 72 rockets in a short duration.
• Range and Precision: The system has a strike range of 60–75 km, while guided variants use INS/GPS navigation for precision targeting.
  • The newly tested LRGR-120 extends the range to 120 km.
• Mobility and Flexibility: Mounted on a Tatra truck, Pinaka offers high mobility and can fire multiple rocket variants from the same launcher platform.

Significance 

• The successful LRGR-120 trial validates India’s capability to develop long-range guided artillery rockets. It enhances deep-strike capability, strengthens deterrence, reduces dependence on imports, and reinforces Pinaka’s export potential and future induction into the Indian Army.

Indian Economy on Path of 2047 Vision

Context: An EY report projects India to become a US$26 trillion economy by 2047–48, driven by sustained growth, digital strength, and expansion of high-value services.

• Ernst & Young (EY) is a British multinational professional services network, known as one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, offering services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions globally.
• It’s a network of member firms under Ernst & Young Global Limited, focused on building trust and confidence in capital markets.

Key Findings of the EY Report

• Long-Term Economic Growth: India is expected to maintain an average growth rate of around 6% annually, making it the fastest-growing major economy over the coming decades.
• Global Economic Position: India is projected to overtake Germany and Japan to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, after the US and China.
• Rising Incomes: Per capita income is estimated to exceed US$15,000 by 2047–48, nearly six times the current level, reflecting broad-based economic expansion.
• Services-Led Growth: Services exports, led by IT and BPO, have expanded rapidly, supported by India hosting nearly 45% of global Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
• Digital Economy Strength: Strong Digital Public Infrastructure, large internet penetration, and digital payments have accelerated innovation, entrepreneurship, and governance efficiency.

Key Economic Targets under Viksit Bharat Vision 2047

• Economic Scale: Achieving a GDP of around US$30 trillion, placing India among the world’s leading economic powers.
• Income and Inclusion: Raising per capita income to about US$18,000 while achieving zero poverty through inclusive and employment-led growth.
• Energy Transformation: Expanding clean energy capacity forty-fold and increasing nuclear energy capacity ten times to ensure sustainable development.

Significance: The EY projections align closely with the Viksit Bharat vision, underscoring India’s potential to combine scale, sustainability, and digital leadership by 2047.

Parsi Maha of Santhali

Context: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 22nd Parsi Maha and the centenary celebrations of the Ol Chiki script in Jamshedpur, emphasising language and tribal culture in nation-building.

About Parsi Maha

• Parsi Maha is a major cultural gathering of the Santhal community, organised to promote Santhali language, literature, and indigenous traditions.
• Organised by : All India Santhali Writers’ Association
• Cultural Significance: It serves as a platform for Santhali writers, scholars, and artists to preserve oral traditions, folk literature, and collective cultural memory.

About the Ol Chiki Script

• Introduction: Ol Chiki is the dedicated script of the Santhali language, providing a unified and phonetic writing system for Santhal communities.
• Developed By: The script was developed in 1925 by Pandit Raghunath Murmu to address inconsistencies caused by writing Santhali in multiple scripts.
• Cultural Significance: Ol Chiki is a symbol of Santhal identity and cultural assertion, enabling education, literature, and governance in the mother tongue.
  • Its use in translating the Constitution into Santhali strengthens inclusion, linguistic dignity, and democratic participation of tribal communities.

The celebrations highlighted the role of indigenous languages, education, and environment-friendly tribal knowledge in inclusive national development.

National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework

Context: Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood unveiled the National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework to objectively evaluate technology maturity from research to market deployment.

National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF)

• Introduction: The National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework is a standardized mechanism to assess the maturity of technology projects across their entire innovation lifecycle.
• Objective: The framework aims to create a unified, evidence-based yardstick to evaluate readiness levels, enabling informed funding, policy decisions, and smoother commercialization.
• Nodal Agency: The framework has been developed under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
• Key Features
  • It measures technology progression from laboratory-stage research to commercial deployment using clearly defined and objective criteria.
  • The framework will act as the operational backbone for multiple R&D funding initiatives under National Missions.
• Significance for Deeptech Ecosystem: The framework bridges the long-standing gap between academia and industry by creating a common language for researchers, investors, and policymakers.
  • It shifts evaluation from subjective claims to verifiable evidence, ensuring public funding supports scalable and market-ready innovations.

NTRAF strengthens India’s innovation ecosystem by aligning scientific research with industrial scalability and national development priorities.

Dhasan River

Context: The National Green Tribunal dismissed an appeal against cancellation of environmental clearance for sand mining in the Dhasan River in Jhansi, citing procedural delays and non-compliance.

About the Dhasan River

• Introduction: Dhasan River is a significant river of the Bundelkhand region and an important right-bank tributary of the Betwa River.
• Origin: The river originates in the Begumganj tehsil of Raisen district in Madhya Pradesh.
• Course and Location: Dhasan flows through the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
  • It forms the southeastern boundary of Lalitpur district in Uttar Pradesh for a considerable stretch.
• Length and Distribution: The total length of the river is about 365 km.
  • Approximately 240 km flows through Madhya Pradesh, 54 km forms the inter-state boundary, and 71 km lies in Uttar Pradesh.
• Part of : Dhasan is a right bank tributary of the Betwa River, of which ultimately joins the Yamuna River making it part of the larger Ganga river system.
• Infrastructure: The Lehchura Dam is constructed on the Dhasan River and primarily supports irrigation through the Dhasan Canal System.

Recent regulatory action highlights the ecological sensitivity of the river and the need for strict compliance in sand mining activities.

INSV Kaundinya

Context: Recently, the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya commenced its maiden transoceanic voyage from Porbandar (Gujarat) to Muscat (Oman). 

• Retracing ancient trade routes, this project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy.

Significance of the Voyage

• Maritime Heritage Revival: Demonstrates the practical wisdom of ancient shipbuilding and navigational techniques.
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Highlights the relevance of traditional engineering methods like the Tankai Method in modern experiential learning.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Strengthens India’s historical and cultural connections with the Arabian Peninsula and Southeast Asia, complementing contemporary maritime diplomacy.
• Sustainability: Emphasizes eco-friendly, wind-powered navigation, providing a low-carbon alternative while demonstrating resilience through design.

About INSV Kaundinya

• The INSV Kaundinya is a non-combatant traditional sailing vessel, deliberately constructed without metal fasteners, reflecting ancient Indian shipbuilding traditions. 
• Its design and build are deeply linked to the Tankai Method, making it a living embodiment of India’s maritime heritage.
• Historical and Iconographic Significance:
  • Design Inspiration: Modeled on a ship depicted in a 5th-century CE mural in Cave 17, Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra).
  • Literary Reference: Corroborated by the Yuktikalpataru, an 11th-century Sanskrit text by King Bhoja of the Paramara dynasty.
  • Key Motifs:
    • Gandabherunda: Two-headed mythical bird on the sails, linked to Kadamba and Vijayanagara dynasties.
    • Simha Yali: Lion-like guardian figure on the bow.
    • Harappan Anchor: Stone anchor on deck, reflecting the Indus Valley Civilization’s maritime prowess.

About Tankai Method (Traditional Shipbuilding)

• Technique: A 2,000-year-old method where wooden planks (Teak, Sal, or Mango) are stitched together using coconut coir ropes, rather than nailed with metal.
• Structural Advantage: Absence of iron prevents rust and allows the hull to flexibly absorb wave energy, preventing cracking.
• Waterproofing: Joints are sealed with natural resins (dammar), cotton, and fish oil or animal fat.
• Propulsion: Completely wind-driven and manually rowed, adhering to ancient navigational practices.

About Kaundinya

• He was a 1st-century CE Indian merchant-mariner.
• Legacy: Sailed to the Mekong Delta, married Queen Soma, and co-founded the Funan Kingdom (modern-day Cambodia), the first Indianised state in Southeast Asia.
• Preservation of History: His story survives in Cambodian and Vietnamese records, though largely absent from Indian texts, highlighting the importance of projects like Kaundinya in reviving India’s lost maritime narratives.

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