Context:
Raksha Mantri launches ADITI scheme in DefConnect 2024
ADITI Scheme:
- Launched by – Ministry of Defence
- Launched under – iDEX framework
- Tenure – 2023-24 to 2025-26
- Aim – To bolster innovation and technology development in the defence sector, nurturing the innovation of youth.
- Objective – To develop approximately 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies between 2023-24 and 2025-26
- Funding – ₹750 crore corpus allocated under the ADITI scheme, supporting start-ups with grants of up to ₹25 crore for research, development, and innovation in defence technology
- Eligibility –
- Startups, as defined and recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
- Any Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956/2013, primarily an MSME as defined in the MSME Act, 2006.
- Individual innovators (research & academic institutions can use this category to apply) registered as Startup/MSME.
- Significance –
- Encourage self-reliance in defence production
- Fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in defence production.
- Increased investment in defence start-ups.
iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence):
- Launched by – Defence Ministry’s Department of Defence Production in 2018
- Launched under – Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)
- Aim – To foster innovation and technology development in the Indian defence sector by engaging with startups, MSMEs, and academia to address defence and aerospace challenges.
- iDEX Prime – Expansion of iDEX to motivate young innovators
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Ballistic missiles are rocket-powered throughout their flight, reaching high speeds including supersonic and hypersonic velocities. Cruise missiles, on the other hand, are typically jet-propelled and fly at subsonic speeds, maintaining sustained flight within the atmosphere.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a long range, while BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile with a shorter range. They are different in terms of their propulsion systems, ranges, and intended purposes.
