[Newsbits] 20-24.04.2024: Crystal Maze 2, VASA-1, Project Nimbus & More

Armenia and Azerbaijan have initiated a border delimitation process, placing the first marker as part of a broader peace treaty negotiation following their prolonged conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. This historic agreement involves both sides making territorial concessions, which has been met with local resistance, especially in Armenia’s Tavush province. The process is supported by international mediators from the EU, the US, and Russia, aiming to establish a lasting peace in the region by addressing long-standing territorial disputes and fostering cooperation between the two nations.

The India-Russia S-400 missile deal, valued at $5.5 billion, involves India purchasing five units of the advanced S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems, aiming to strengthen its air defense, particularly against threats from China. Signed in October 2018, three units have been delivered as of April 2024, with the remaining two expected by 2025. Deployed along critical borders with China and Pakistan, these systems significantly boost India’s defense capabilities. Despite potential sanctions threats under the CAATSA from the US, India continues with its purchase while also developing indigenous defense technologies, including the long-range air defense system, Project Kusha, led by DRDO.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is advancing its Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight program, with a second uncrewed test flight planned for April 2024. This marks a significant milestone in a series of preparations that include multiple test flights aimed at demonstrating human spaceflight capabilities. By the end of 2025, ISRO plans to launch a crewed mission, aiming to make India one of the few nations capable of sending humans to space. The mission employs the LVM3 rocket, adapted to meet human safety standards, and involves the development of critical technologies such as life support systems and crew training at ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC).

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has emphasized the need for the Indian economy to achieve an 8-10% annual growth rate over the next decade to effectively harness its demographic dividend. This growth is crucial to maximize the economic contributions of India’s rapidly expanding working-age population. The RBI’s developmental strategy centers on enhancing labor quality and employability, particularly through the formalization of employment for youth and women. Challenges such as inflation risks due to external factors like weather and geopolitical tensions remain significant. Achieving and sustaining this high growth rate is essential for improving the living standards of India’s population.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has recently unveiled the country’s lightest bulletproof jacket, designed by the Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur. This jacket is the first in India to meet the highest threat level 6 according to BIS 17051 standards, offering superior protection against 7.62 x 54 R API ammunition. It features a cutting-edge design with a monolithic ceramic plate and polymer backing that improves durability, wearability, and comfort. This innovation not only bolsters the safety of security personnel but also demonstrates DRDO’s dedication to advancing indigenous defense technologies and reducing reliance on imports.