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Published on Jan 2, 2026

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 02 January 2026

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DRDO celebrated its 68th Foundation Day on 01 January 2026.
Review of 2025 achievements & 2026 targets by Raksha Mantri and DRDO leadership.
Record defence indigenisation momentum:
- 22 Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals worth ~₹1.30 lakh crore for DRDO-developed systems to be manufactured by Indian industries — highest ever in a single year.
- 11 acquisition contracts worth ₹26,000 crore signed with DRDO production partners.

Relevance

GS 3 — Internal Security & Defence Technology

Indigenous defence R&D, strategic autonomy, Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence
Force modernisation — missiles, air defence, EW, naval systems, ISR, artillery
Defence production ecosystem, DPSU–private–MSME integration
Technology depth — cyber, AI, space, hypersonics, CBRN capabilities
Import substitution + export orientation in defence manufacturing

Founded: 1958
Headquarters: New Delhi
Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence
Head: Secretary, Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO
Mandate:
- Indigenous development of missiles, radars, EW, naval systems, aeronautics, armaments, life sciences, CBRN, AI & cyber systems.
Vision: Strengthen strategic deterrence & defence self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
Network: ~50+ laboratories, strong industry-academia ecosystem.

AoN approvals (~₹1.30 lakh crore) for major systems including:
- IADWS, Conventional Ballistic Missile System
- QRSAM ‘Anant Shastra’, LRASSCM
- IDDIS Mk-II, Astra Mk-II (BVRAAM)
- NAG (Tracked) Mk-2, Advanced Light Weight Torpedo
- PBMM-NG mines, AEW&C Mk-1A
- Mountain Radars, LCA Mk-1A Full Mission Simulator
11 signed contracts (~₹26,000 crore) for:
- Nag Missile System, Ashwini LLTR Radar
- ADFCR, EW Suite for Mi-17 V5
- Area Denial Munition, HEPF-Pinaka
- Infantry Floating Foot Bridge
- Wargaming System
- ACADA, ATAGS, etc.

Boost to Defence Self-Reliance
- Largest-ever AoN + contracting pipeline → reduces import dependence.
Technology Depth
- Shift toward next-gen domains: cyber, space, AI, EW, hypersonics, advanced missiles.
Operational Edge
- Enhances air defence, precision strike, naval ASW, border surveillance, artillery lethality.
Industrial Multipliers
- Strengthens MSME–DPSU–private sector value chains.
Export Potential
- Several systems (Pinaka, radars, missiles) align with India’s defence export push.

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) made operational through the Jan Samarth Portal from 1 December 2025.
In the first month (till 31 Dec 2025):
- 1,788 applications worth ₹8,599 crore received
- 716 sanctions worth ₹3,141 crore
Government provides 100% credit guarantee for additional export-linked loans.
Scheme supports liquidity, market diversification, competitiveness and employment, especially for MSME exporters.

Relevance

GS 3 — Economy (Growth, MSMEs, Exports)

Launched: 2022
Purpose: National credit-linked schemes platform integrating banks & government schemes.
Enables end-to-end digital processing:
- Eligibility check → Application → Approval → Tracking
Covers schemes under DFS, MSME, Housing, Education, Agriculture, etc.
For CGSE, it acts as the digital facilitation and monitoring platform.

Implementing Ministry: Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance
Guarantee Agency: NCGTC (National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Ltd.)
Beneficiaries:
- MSME and non-MSME exporters (direct & indirect exporters)
Nature of Support:
- Additional collateral-free working capital
- Up to 20% of existing export credit / WC limits
Government Guarantee: 100% guarantee on the additional facility
Scheme Size / Cap: Up to ₹20,000 crore guarantees
Validity: Till 31 March 2026 or till guarantees of ₹20,000 crore are issued
Lending Agencies: Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) — banks & FIs

Exports = ~21% of India’s GDP
~45 million people employed (direct + indirect) in export sectors
MSMEs ≈ 45% of India’s total exports
Sustained exports help:
- Current Account Balance
- Foreign exchange stability
- Manufacturing ecosystem & supply chains