Two successive trials of 'Pralay' missiles conducted: DRDO
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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Indian Express
Pralay and Akash Prime missiles: Why are they relevant for UPSC Exam
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your UPSC Current Affairs knowledge nugget for today on Pralay and Akash Prime missiles. (Relevance: Various missiles, air defence systems, fighter jets, and aircraft types are some of the important topics of defence technology that have been asked by UPSC in prelims. In 2018, a question was asked on Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD). In this context, understanding the unique weapons becomes crucial.) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two consecutive successful tests of quasi-ballistic missile Pralay from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha on 28th and 29th July. Three Pune based facilities of the DRDO have played a key role in the development of the tactical weapons system. 1. The flight tests were carried out as a part of user evaluation trials to validate the maximum and minimum range capability of the missile system. 2. 'Pralay is an indigenously-developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile employing state-of-the-art guidance and navigation to ensure high precision. The missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets.' said the Ministry of Defence. 3. The first test of Pralay (which means widespread destruction) was conducted in December 2021. The missile is slated to be armed with a conventional warhead and will be inducted into the artillery of the Indian Army. 4. The system has been developed by Hyderabad-based DRDO facility Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other facilities including three Pune based firms—Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) and Research & Development Establishment, Engineers (R&DE). 5. The ballistic missiles are a category of missiles that utilise projectile motion to deliver warheads. During their arched trajectories, the ballistic missiles are powered during their initial travel but later take a gravity driven path. 6. The quasi ballistic missiles are a class of missiles that have low trajectory and take the ballistic trajectory but can change course and make maneuvers during the flight if required. 1. The Akash Prime missile, which is the upgraded variant of the Akash weapon for the high-altitude region, was successfully tested in Ladakh on 16th July as destroying aerial high-speed unmanned targets with pinpoint accuracy. 2. The trials were done as part of the first Production Model firing trial and will further enable timely induction and enhance the Air Defence potential in high-altitude frontiers of the country, the Ministry of Defence said. 3. The initial version of the Akash missile has an operational range of 27 to 30 kilometers and a flight altitude of around 18 kilometers. The Akash Prime, which underwent its maiden flight test in September 2021 has the same range as that of the earlier version but has a crucial new addition of an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy to hit the aerial targets. 4. Other key enhancements in Akash Prime ensure more reliable performance under low-temperature environments at higher altitudes. These new additions have been made after receiving feedback from armed forces, for the deployment of the system to provide air defence cover for vital installations and sensitive areas in high-altitude regions. The weapon system is customised to operate in altitudes above 4,500 metres, the MoD has said. 5. Notably, the development of the Akash, a short to medium range surface to air missile, was started by the DRDO in the late 1980s as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. The early systems trials, field trials and target neutralisation trials were conducted in the late 1990s and early 2000s. These were followed by the extensive user trials by the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. 6. Named after the original Sanskrit work for sky, Akash symbolised the deterrence in the air. It is primarily designed to provide air defence cover to the vulnerable areas and critical installations. 7. The Akash weapon system can simultaneously engage multiple targets in group mode or in autonomous mode. It has built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) features, which means that it has mechanisms on-board that can counter the electronic systems that deceive the detection systems. 1. Ballistic missiles use projectile motion to deliver warheads to a target. They are powered for a relatively brief time, after which they let the laws of physics take them to their target. These missiles are categorised based on range. Ballistic missiles can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads. Examples of ballistic missiles are Agni I, Agni II, Prithvi I, Prithvi II and Dhanush missiles. Source: UN Office of Disarmament Affairs (Note: This categorisation is not fixed.) 2. Cruise missiles are unmanned vehicles powered by jet engines that can be launched from ground, air, or sea platforms. Examples of cruise missiles are BrahMos,Tomahawk,Kalibr, AGM-86 ALCM and JASSM. 3. The cruise missiles fly at a low distance from the ground while the ballistic missiles follow a parabolic trajectory. Ballistic missiles are easier to track since they have a standard parabolic trajectory, as compared to cruise missiles which can fox air defence systems due to their manoeuvrability. (1) With reference to the Pralay missile, consider the following statements: 1. It is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile. 2. This missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets. 3. The first test of Pralay was conducted in 2024. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None (2) Consider the following statements about the Akash Prime missile: 1. It ensures more reliable performance under low-temperature environments at higher altitudes. 2. Akash missile is a short to medium-range surface-to-air missile. 3. It has an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy to hit the aerial targets. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None (Sources: DRDO successfully tests quasi-ballistic tactical missile Pralay as part of user evaluation trials, Akash Prime missile with indigenous seeker successfully tested at high altitude in Ladakh ) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Indian Express
31-07-2025
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Pralay missile, SARs used in NISAR and more (Week 121)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Pralay missile, consider the following statements: 1. It is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile. 2. This missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets. 3. The first test of Pralay was conducted in 2024. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two consecutive successful tests of quasi-ballistic missile Pralay from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha — The flight tests were carried out as a part of user evaluation trials to validate the maximum and minimum range capability of the missile system. 'The missiles precisely followed the intended trajectory and reached the target point with pin-point accuracy meeting all the test objectives. — Pralay is an indigenously-developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile employing state-of-the-art guidance and navigation to ensure high precision. The missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. — The first test of Pralay (which means widespread destruction) was conducted in December 2021. The missile is slated to be armed with a conventional warhead and will be inducted into the artillery of the Indian Army. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the Synthetic Aperture Radars (SARs) used in NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), consider the following statements: 1. Both the L-band and S-band radars can see through clouds, smoke, rain or fog, thus getting an unfiltered view of the Earth across all weathers and through day and night. 2. The S-band SAR uses higher wavelength microwaves, which can better penetrate tree cover or vegetation, and even sand or ice. 3. The L-band SAR has a shorter wavelength, is unable to go much deeper, but is good for capturing the larger features, such as crop fields or water bodies. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) uniqueness is the two SARs that it is fitted with. Radars. — A number of SAR-equipped satellites are currently deployed in space. ISRO's RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellites) family of satellites, recently renamed the EOS series, carry SAR. Some of ISRO's other Earth observation satellites, such as Cartosat and Oceansat, do not use SAR. — The power of NISAR is derived from two SARs, one in the L-band and the other in the S-band. They are meant to record complementary sets of photographs for the same region at the same time, resulting in a hitherto unattainable level of detail on Earth. Both L-band and S-band radars can see through clouds, smoke, rain, and fog, providing an unfiltered image of the Earth in all weather conditions and at any time of day or night. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The L-band SAR, which uses higher wavelength microwaves, can better penetrate tree cover or vegetation, and even sand or ice. It is, therefore, able to capture minute details of surface undulations, and can see through dense forest cover, for example, to map the ground below and measure tree trunk biomass, which is very useful for estimating carbon stock. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The S-band SAR, which has a shorter wavelength, is unable to go much deeper, but is good for capturing the larger features, such as crop fields or water bodies. It can observe crops like soybean, corn, sugarcane and provide information on their different growth and maturity stages. This observation will especially focus on India. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the pollutants and their sources, consider the following pairs: 1. PM 2.5 – Predominantly produced by vehicle emissions and thermal power plants. 2. Nitrogen dioxide – Produced primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels by vehicles, thermal power plants, and various industrial processes. 3. Soot – It comes from sources such as vehicle exhaust emissions and burning wood. How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) All three pairs (d) None of the above pairs Explanation — According to a new large-scale study conducted by Cambridge University researchers, long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of getting dementia. The analysis, published in The Lancet Planetary Health on Thursday (July 24), is the most comprehensive assessment of its kind, based on a systematic examination of 51 studies and data from more than 29 million people exposed to air pollution for at least one year. — The current study is the most extensive of its type, and it discovered a positive and statistically significant link between three prevalent air contaminants and dementia. — PM2.5: Predominantly produced by vehicle emissions and thermal power plants, PM2.5 is extremely fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. The study found that for every 10 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) of long-term exposure to PM2.5, an individual's relative risk of dementia would increase by 17% from the baseline. Hence, pair 1 is correct. — NO2: Nitrogen dioxide is produced primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels by vehicles, thermal power plants, and various industrial processes. The study found that for every 10 μg/m³ of long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide, the relative risk of dementia increased by 3%. Hence, pair 2 is correct. — Soot: Soot or Black Carbon PM2.5 comes from sources such as vehicle exhaust emissions and burning wood. The study reported that dementia risk jumped by 13% for each 1 μg/m³ of long-term soot exposure. The Central Pollution Control Board does not separately report BC/PM2.5 levels. Hence, pair 3 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The term 'hypocenter' with reference to an earthquake refers to: (a) the location below the Earth's surface where the earthquake starts (b) the location on the surface of the Earth where it cracks (c) the location from where the seismograph measures the intensity of the earthquake (d) the location adjacent to the seismically prone region Explanation — A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia's Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami waves of up to 16 feet, which had started to American shores along Hawaii's islands and off the coast of northern California. — An earthquake is an intense shaking of the ground caused by movement under the Earth's surface. It happens when two blocks of the Earth suddenly slip past one another. This releases stored-up 'elastic strain' energy in the form of seismic waves, which spread through the Earth and cause the shaking of the ground. — The Earth's outermost surface, crust, is fragmented into tectonic plates. The edges of the plates are called plate boundaries, which are made up of faults — zones of fractures between two blocks of rock. The tectonic plates constantly move at a slow pace, sliding past one another and bumping into each other. As the edges of the plates are quite rough, they get stuck with one another while the rest of the plate keeps moving. — Earthquake occurs when the plate has moved far enough and the edges unstick on one of the faults. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) says that 'the location below the Earth's surface where the earthquake starts is called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the Earth is called the epicentre.' Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to 'ham' radio, consider the following statements: 1. It is used for educational and knowledge purposes. 2. Communication can be set up between two licensed hams. 3. In India, individuals below the age of 21 are not permitted to operate a ham radio. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut, used a ham radio from the International Space Station to communicate with schoolchildren in his home country. — Amateur radio, sometimes known as ham radio, is a licensed radio service that uses radio waves to create communication. Ham radio service is mostly used for educational and informational purposes, as well as emergency or SOS communications. Trained ham operators can establish contact between two licensed amateur radio operators using a designated frequency, a transceiver, and an antenna. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. — Communication might be hyper-local, global, or space-based. In India, everyone over the age of 12 is entitled to use a ham radio. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issues these licenses. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — In 1983, amateur radio was used for the first time on a space shuttle to communicate between space and Earth. — The ISS also contains a ham radio, called the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), which is frequently used to coordinate astronaut-student contacts. The goal of such exchanges is to encourage the next generation. — This teaching opportunity is supported by amateur radio organisations, as well as space agencies in the United States, Russia, Canada, Japan, and Europe, which provide equipment and operational support. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), consider the following statements: 1. It was established as a successor to INCOSPAR in 1969. 2. It is the nodal space agency under the Department of Space (DoS), which was formed in 1972. 3. Its core mandate includes designing launch vehicles, satellites, and applying space technology for societal development. 4. ISRO functions autonomously under the Ministry of Science & Technology. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 4 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) All of the above Explanation — Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of India. The organisation is involved in science, engineering and technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for India and the mankind. — ISRO is a major constituent of the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India. The department executes the Indian Space Programme primarily through various Centres or units within ISRO. — ISRO was previously the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), set up by the Government of India in 1962, as envisioned by Dr. VikramA Sarabhai. — ISRO was formed on August 15, 1969 and superseded INCOSPAR with an expanded role to harness space technology. DOS was set up and ISRO was brought under DOS in 1972. — The prime objective of ISRO/DOS is the development and application of space technology for various national needs. — ISRO has developed satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place the satellites in the required orbits. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other source: What are Population III stars? (a) the first stars in the universe (b) the recent stars in the universe. (c) the smallest, long-living, dim stars. (d) None of the above Explanation — The very first stars — so-called Population III stars — were unlike any we see today. Born from pristine hydrogen and helium, they were massive, short-lived, and intensely bright. Some may have been hundreds of times the mass of our Sun, burning hot and dying young in titanic supernovae that scattered heavy elements across space. These explosions seeded the universe with the ingredients for future generations of stars, planets, and eventually, life. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to 'reionization', consider the following statements: 1. It is an important phenomenon in our universe's history as it presents one of the few means by which we can (indirectly) study these earliest stars. 2. Scientists have recently discovered when the first stars were formed and when the reionization process started to occur. Which of the above given statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation According to 'The energetic ultraviolet light from these first stars was capable of splitting hydrogen atoms back into electrons and protons (or ionizing them). This era, from the end of the dark ages to when the universe was around a billion years old, is known as 'the epoch of reionization.' It refers to the point when most of the neutral hydrogen was reionized by the increasing radiation from the first massive stars. Reionization is an important phenomenon in our universe's history as it presents one of the few means by which we can (indirectly) study these earliest stars. But scientists do not know exactly when the first stars formed and when this reionization process started to occur.' Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 119) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 121) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 120) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than five years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'LIVE with Manas'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Hans India
30-07-2025
- Hans India
India test fires tactical missile Pralay
Balasore: India has successfully test fired the newly developed tactical missile Pralay, capable of carrying conventional warheads. The missile was test fired from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on Monday and Tuesday, the Defence ministry said. Pralay is a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a payload capacity of 500 -1,000 kg. The missile, capable of carrying conventional warheads, has a range of 150 to 500 km. It has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile, equipped with modern technologies, will give further technological boost to the armed forces against threats, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said lauding the DRDO, the armed forces and the concerned industry partners involved in the project for the successful flight-tests. The flight tests were carried out as a part of user evaluation trials to validate the maximum and minimum range capability of the missile system, the defence ministry said. The missiles precisely followed the intended trajectory and reached the target point with pin-point accuracy meeting all the test objectives, it said. 'All subsystems performed as per expectations, which were verified using test data captured by various tracking sensors deployed by the integrated test range, including instruments deployed on ship positioned near the designated impact point,' it added in a statement. 'Pralay is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile employing state-of-the-art guidance and navigation to ensure high precision,' the ministry said. Its system has been developed by Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories- such as Advanced Systems Laboratory, Armament Research and Development Establishment, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Research and Development Establishment (Engineers). The industry partners in the project included the Bharat Dynamics Limited and the Bharat Electronics Limited and many other MSMEs.
