News In Short – 6 September, 2025

Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025)

Syllabus : GS3/Defence

In News

• The Ministry of Defence has released the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025).

India’s Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025)

• It outlines a 15-year plan to bolster its military preparedness by enhancing nuclear deterrence and expanding drone warfare capabilities. 
• It focuses on sustaining credible nuclear deterrence through survivability systems and advanced delivery platforms, including command-and-control infrastructure and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles.
• It also emphasizes the development of stealth drones with ranges of up to 1,500 km and altitudes of 60,000 feet for electronic warfare, detection, and artillery guidance.
• It also addresses the threat of hostile drone swarms by planning adaptive jamming systems and electronic denial zones with a 15 km radius.
• It prioritizes loitering munitions with AI-enabled targeting and reusable warheads, integrated surveillance drones, and countermeasures against hostile drone swarms using electronic jamming and denial systems. 

Importance

• It aligns with India’s goal of self-reliance in defense production and reflects a strategic shift toward integrated deterrence combining nuclear resilience, electronic warfare, and unmanned strike platforms to enhance national security over the coming decades.

Source :TH

Clinical trial for Envafolimab

Syllabus :GS2/Health

In News

• Glenmark has started a multi-country Phase 3 clinical trial for Envafolimab, targeting Stage III non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Lung cancer

• Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way in the lungs.
  • It is a serious health issue that can cause severe harm and death.
• Symptoms of lung cancer include a cough that does not go away, chest pain and shortness of breath.
• The most common types of lung cancer are non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) and small cell carcinoma (SCLC).
  • NSCLC is more common and grows slowly, while SCLC is less common but often grows quickly.
  • Common types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): 
    • Adenocarcinomas – usually found in the outer areas of the lung.
    • Squamous cell carcinomas – typically located in the center of the lung near the bronchus.
    • Large cell carcinomas – can appear in any part of the lung.

Source :TH

Renaming of  US Department of Defense (DoD) 

Syllabus :GS2/IR

Context

• US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the Department of Defense (DoD) as the Department of War.

Department of War

• Historically, the Department of War, established in 1789, oversaw the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps until the Navy and Marine Corps were reassigned to separate departments. 
• The War Department remained central until World War II, when operational inefficiencies prompted President Truman to unify the military branches under the National Military Establishment (NME) in 1947, later renamed the Department of Defense (DoD) to avoid the negative connotation of “NME.”
  •  The reorganisation aimed to streamline command and reduce inter-service rivalry, especially after the fragmented efforts during WWII. 

Rationale behind recent of Decision of Donald Trump

• Trump’s decision to revert to the historical name linked to  desire for a more assertive image and referencing America’s historical military successes.
• The move reflects Trump’s broader aim to reshape the military’s identity around war-fighting capabilities. 

Source :IE

Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 

Syllabus :GS3/Science and Technology

In News

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is scheduled to host the inaugural Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in November 2025, potentially marking a shift away from the traditional Indian Science Congress.

The Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 

• It is positioned as India’s leading platform for science, technology, and innovation, uniting government ministries, global thought leaders, and innovators. 
• Unlike the India International Science Festival (IISF), which aims to popularize science among youth, ESTIC is envisioned as a serious forum for scientific dialogue, innovation, and policy deliberation. 
• It will include technical sessions, showcase 75 deep-tech start-ups, and feature participation from global scientific luminaries

Objectives 

• It fosters collaboration, celebrates disruptive innovation and it aims to position India as a global scientific leader in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Source :TH

Z-Plus Security Cover for Vice-President 

Syllabus: GS3/ Security

Context

• The Union Government is considering transferring the Z-plus security cover of the Vice-President (V-P) from the Delhi Police to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

About

• As per the “Blue Book” guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry under the Special Protection Group (SPG) Act, the President, Vice-President, and Prime Minister are entitled to specific security protocols.
• The Vice-President of India currently receives Z-plus security cover provided by the Delhi Police Security Division.
  • This category includes around 50 personnel working in shifts, with enhanced arrangements for the V-P’s residence and cavalcade.
  • Traditionally, three officers of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) serve as Personal Security Officers (PSOs).

Security Categories in India

• X Security: Provides the most basic security, typically with 2 security personnel.
• Y Security: Offers a slightly higher level of protection, usually with 11 personnel, including police officers and commandos.
• Y+ Security: An enhanced version of the Y category, providing a greater number of personnel and more comprehensive security.
  • It is for MPs, MLAs, or public figures with moderate threat levels.
• Z Security: Around 22 personnel (NSG/CRPF commandos + local police).
  • Union Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, and some high-profile leaders or individuals under credible threat are provided security.
• Z+ Security Cover includes: Personal Security Officers (PSOs), Residence security, Escort vehicles in cavalcade, Surveillance and access control measures.
  • Vice-President, Union Home Minister, Chief Justice of India, and individuals facing high security threats.
• Special Protection Group (SPG): It is Provided under the SPG Act, 1988.
  • Exclusively for the Prime Minister of India and immediate family members.
  • Status: After 2019 amendments, it is restricted only to the sitting PM and his/her immediate family residing with them.

Sources: IE

National Teachers Awards

Syllabus: Miscellaneous

Context

• The President of India conferred National Awards on 81 teachers from across the country at a function held in New Delhi on Teachers’ Day (5th September).

About National Teachers Awards

• Selection Process: Teachers are chosen through a three-stage transparent, online process at the District, State, and National levels, coordinated by the Department of School Education & Literacy.
• Organiser: Ministry of Education and It was Instituted in 1958.
  • They are given away by The President of India (or) The Vice President of India on 5th September (Teacher’s Day) every year to give public recognition to meritorious teachers working in primary, middle and secondary schools. 
• Purpose:
  • To celebrate the unique contribution of outstanding teachers.
  • To recognize those who, through commitment and innovation, have improved school education and enriched the lives of their students.
• Occasion: Awards are conferred every year on Teachers’ Day, observed on the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India and a great philosopher-educationist.
• Exclusion :  Retired teachers who have not served at least a part of the calendar year – at least for four months i.e. up to 30th April in the year to which the National Award relates. Teacher/Headmasters who have indulged in tuitions.
  • Contractual Teachers and Shiksha Mitras are also not eligible.

Do you know?

• National Education Day is observed on 11th November in honour of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister.

Source: PIB

Revised Suspension of Operations Pact Tightens Norms for Kuki-Zo Groups

Syllabus: GS3/Internal Security

Context

• The revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement was signed between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Manipur government and 24 Kuki-Zo insurgent groups which is valid for one year.

About

• Among other provisions, the revised ground rules reiterated:
  • The territorial integrity of Manipur.
  • Need for a negotiated solution to bring lasting peace and stability to the State of Manipur.
• Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) have also agreed to:
  • Relocate seven designated camps away from areas vulnerable to conflict.
  • Reduce the number of designated camps.
  • Relocate the weapons with nearest CRPF/BSF camps.
  • Stringent physical verification of cadres by Security Forces to de-list foreign nationals, if any.
• 2008 SoO Pact: It was signed in the aftermath of the Kuki-Naga clashes in the 1990s.
  • Under the umbrella of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) were entitled to a stipend of ₹6,000 per month, which was stopped since ethnic violence erupted in the State in 2023.
• Other provisions of the Revised SoO Agreement: The pact bars groups from having association with any other armed group, within the country or outside; from recruiting new cadres; and carrying out offensive operations.
  • The Army, Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces and the State Police shall not launch operations against the groups “as long as they abide” by the agreement.

Who are the Kuki-Zo groups?

• The Kuki-Zo people are an ethnic community spread across Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, and Myanmar.
• They share close ethnic and cultural ties with other Chin–Mizo groups of Myanmar and Mizoram.
• Since the 1980s–90s, various Kuki-Zo insurgent groups have taken up arms, mostly demanding:
  • Greater autonomy/self-determination;
  • Protection of tribal rights and land;
  • In some cases, separate statehood.

Source: TH

National Health Mission (NHM)

Syllabus: GS2/Health

Context

• Over 14,000 contractual employees of the National Health Mission (NHM) in Chhattisgarh have resigned en masse.
  • Trigger: Termination of 25 protesting employees by the State Health Department.
  • The NHM employees have been demanding regularisation of services, better pay, and other perks.

National Health Mission (NHM)

• Launched: 2013 (by subsuming the National Rural Health Mission, 2005 and National Urban Health Mission, 2013).
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• Aim: To provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to the rural and urban population, especially the vulnerable groups.
• Implementation strategy: The Ministry is to provide financial and technical support to States / Union Territories (UTs) enabling them to provide accessible, affordable, accountable, and effective healthcare up to District Hospitals (DHs).
  • It has also aimed to bridge the gap in rural healthcare services through improved health infrastructure, augmentation of human resource and improved service delivery in rural areas.
  • It has envisaged decentralization of programme to district level to facilitate need-based interventions, improve intra and inter-sectoral convergence and effective utilization of resources.

Source: TH

Angikaar 2025

Syllabus: GS2/Welfare Initiative

Context

• The Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, launched “Angikaar 2025”, under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0), in New Delhi.

What is Angikaar 2025?

• It is an outreach campaign to accelerate the implementation of PMAY-U 2.0 by creating widespread awareness about the scheme across the country.
• Duration & Coverage: The campaign will run from 4th September 2025 to 31st October 2025 across 5,000+ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the country.
• It will also fast-track verification of applications under the scheme and expedite the completion of already sanctioned houses under PMAY-U.
• It includes promoting the Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust for Low Income Housing (CRGFTLIH), integrating benefits from schemes like PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, and prioritizing housing for Special Focus Groups. 

Source: PIB