Content:
- Akashteer: The Unseen Force Behind India’s New War Capability
- Aadhaar authentication crosses 150 billion transactions, powering India’s digital economy and welfare services
Akashteer: The Unseen Force Behind India’s New War Capability
Introduction to Akashteer
- Akashteer is India’s fully indigenous, automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADCRS).
- Played a pivotal role in thwarting Pakistan’s large-scale missile and drone attack (May 9–10) during Operation SINDOOR.
- Marks a major shift in India’s air defence philosophy: from passive surveillance to proactive, real-time engagement.
Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security ,Defence)
Technological Edge & Capability
- Automated detection, tracking, and engagement of aerial threats (missiles, aircraft, drones).
- Provides real-time air picture to all nodes: radars, control rooms, defence guns.
- Integrates with multiple radars:
- Tactical Control Radar REPORTER
- 3D Tactical Control Radars
- Low-Level Lightweight Radar
- Akash Weapon System’s radar
- Reduces friendly fire risk and allows precision targeting in contested airspace.
- Capable of autonomous low-level airspace monitoring in battle zones.
Integration with India’s C4ISR Ecosystem
- Forms a key component of India’s C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) infrastructure.
- Integrates seamlessly with:
- IACCS (Integrated Air Command and Control System – Indian Air Force)
- TRIGUN (Indian Navy)
- Enables joint-force synergy across Army, Navy, and Air Force for coordinated action.
Strategic Significance
- Signals a strategic doctrinal shift: From “watch and wait” to “see-decide-strike”.
- Provides India with the ability to conduct automated, coordinated retaliatory strikes.
- Mobile and vehicle-mounted, making it suitable for frontlines and dynamic battlefields.
Comparison with Adversaries
- Contrasted with Pakistan’s imported systems (HQ-9, HQ-16), which failed to detect Indian counterstrikes.
- Demonstrates the superiority of indigenous systems over foreign dependence in critical defence scenarios.
Akashteer as a Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat
- Represents the success of the Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in the defence sector.
- Developed alongside other indigenousplatforms like:
- LCA Tejas, ALH, LUH
- Arjun MBT, ATAGS, Dhanush Artillery
- Naval platforms: destroyers, submarines, IACs
- Defence production target: ₹3 lakh crore by 2029.
- Current status: 65% of defence equipment domestically manufactured.
- Supported by:
- 16 Defence PSUs
- Over 430 licensed private firms
- Nearly 16,000 MSMEs
- Private sector now contributes 21% to defence production.
Global Implications & Strategic Messaging
- Seen as a “seismic shift” in modern warfare strategy.
- India joins elite nations with automated Air Defence Command and Control capabilities.
- Acts as a deterrent against hybrid threats, cross-border terrorism, and asymmetric warfare.
- Projects India as a technologically advanced, self-reliant power.
Key Takeaways
- Akashteer showcases intelligent combat, not brute force.
- It’s more than a system – it’s a strategic enabler and global message.
- Validates India’s defence ecosystem’s maturity, innovation, and indigenous strength.
Aadhaar authentication crosses 150 billion transactions, powering India’s digital economy and welfare services
Aadhaar Authentication Milestone
- Over 150 billion (15,011.82 crore) Aadhaar authentication transactions completed by April 2025, since inception.
- Marks a significant expansion of the Aadhaar ecosystem in governance, finance, and service delivery.
- Reflects the growing trust and adoption of digital ID-based verification in India.
Relevance : GS 2(Digital Governance ,Governance)
Monthly Usage Trends
- 210 crore Aadhaar authentications in April 2025, up ~8% from April 2024.
- Indicates consistent year-on-year growth and increased reliance on Aadhaar in daily transactions and welfare systems.
e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer)
- Facilitates paperless, instant verification using Aadhaar.
- 37.3 crore e-KYC transactions in April 2025 — up 39.7% from April 2024.
- Cumulative e-KYC transactions reached 2393 crore, showing wide usage across banking, telecom, fintech, and other sectors.
- Contributes to ease of doing business and customer onboarding with minimal friction.
AI-Driven Face Authentication
- Aadhaar Face Authentication based on in-house AI/ML solutions by UIDAI is gaining traction.
- 14 crore transactions in April 2025 via this modality.
- Adopted by 100+ entities, both government and private sector, enabling touchless and seamless service delivery.
- Enhances inclusivity, especially for elderly or differently-abled individuals where fingerprints may not work.
Role in Digital Public Infrastructure
- Aadhaar authentication acts as the backbone of India’s digital identity ecosystem.
- Supports:
- DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) schemes
- Subsidy disbursement
- Financial inclusion
- Digital onboarding for services
- Enables real-time verification in remote and rural areas, reducing leakages and fraud.
Strategic Significance
- Strengthens India’s journey toward a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
- Aligns with the vision of Digital India and Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.
- A key pillar in leveraging technology for welfare, transparency, and efficiency.
