In News:

National Science Day is observed every year on 28th February to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by eminent Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman in 1928. The day serves as a reminder of India’s scientific legacy and the importance of fostering innovation and research in nation-building.

The year 2026 theme - “Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat” - emphasizes the role of women scientists in advancing India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

Historical Background

• Sir C.V. Raman discovered the Raman Effect on 28 February 1928.
• For this groundbreaking work, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, becoming the first Asian to receive a Nobel Prize in the sciences.
• The first National Science Day was celebrated on 28 February 1987, institutionalizing the observance as an annual tradition to promote scientific awareness.

The primary objective of National Science Day is to spread awareness about the importance of science and its applications in everyday life and national development.

The Raman Effect

The Raman Effect refers to a phenomenon in which:

• When a beam of light passes through a transparent medium (such as a liquid or gas),
• A small portion of the scattered light undergoes a change in wavelength.

This shift in wavelength occurs due to the interaction between light and the vibrational and rotational energy levels of molecules in the medium.

The discovery laid the foundation for Raman Spectroscopy, a powerful analytical tool widely used in physics, chemistry, material science, and medical diagnostics.

Contributions of Sir C.V. Raman

Sir C.V. Raman made significant contributions to scientific research and institution-building in India:

• Founded the Indian Journal of Physics in 1926 to promote indigenous scientific research.
• Became the first Indian Director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, in 1933, strengthening India’s research ecosystem.
• Established the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in 1948, which continues to be a leading centre for fundamental research.
• Awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954, India’s highest civilian honour.

His life exemplified scientific excellence combined with institution-building for long-term national progress.

Theme 2026: Women in Science and Viksit Bharat

The 2026 theme highlights:

• The need to enhance women’s participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
• Recognition of women scientists as key drivers of innovation, research, and technological advancement.
• Alignment with the broader vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.

Encouraging gender equity in science contributes to inclusive growth, diverse perspectives in research, and sustainable development outcomes.

Significance

National Science Day promotes:

• Development of scientific temper, as envisaged under Article 51A(h) of the Constitution (Fundamental Duties).
• Awareness about research and innovation ecosystems in India.
• Engagement of students, researchers, and institutions in scientific pursuits.
• Public understanding of science as a tool for socio-economic transformation.

In News:

A recent grid oscillation recorded in Rajasthan was reportedly felt as far as Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu, highlighting the growing stress within India’s national electricity grid. The incident has drawn attention to structural challenges in managing the rapid expansion of renewable energy while ensuring grid stability.

What are Grid Oscillations?

Grid oscillations refer to rapid fluctuations in voltage and frequency within the power transmission network. These fluctuations typically arise when there is a sudden mismatch between electricity generation and demand.

With increasing penetration of solar and wind energy, which are inherently variable and weather-dependent, the grid faces intermittent supply conditions. When not balanced properly, such variations can:

• Destabilise transmission voltage and frequency
• Damage equipment
• Trigger cascading failures
• Lead to large-scale blackouts

The recent oscillation event underscores the sensitivity of interconnected grids across long distances in India’s unified national grid.

Key Reasons for Grid Instability

• Limited Grid Flexibility and Automation: India’s grid is not yet sufficiently “smart” to seamlessly switch between conventional (coal-based) and renewable sources. Inadequate automation, limited real-time balancing mechanisms, and weak forecasting systems restrict efficient load management.
• Coal Plant Inflexibility: Coal-fired power plants are designed primarily for baseload supply, operating at steady output levels. They cannot ramp up or down rapidly to compensate for sudden drops or surges in renewable generation. This structural rigidity makes balancing intermittent sources difficult.
• Inadequate Energy Storage Infrastructure: Large-scale battery storage and pumped hydro facilities remain limited. Without sufficient storage:
  • Surplus renewable energy cannot be stored for later use.
  • Sudden drops in renewable output create supply gaps.
  • Grid stability becomes vulnerable during peak fluctuations.

India’s Renewable Energy Expansion

India has made significant strides in renewable energy capacity:

• 48 GW of renewable capacity was added in 2025, the highest-ever annual addition.
• Non-fossil sources now account for approximately 52% of installed capacity (around 264 GW).

However, a critical structural gap remains:

• Despite the large installed renewable capacity, nearly 75% of actual electricity generation still comes from coal because it provides reliable, on-demand power.

This highlights the distinction between installed capacity and actual generation share, an important concept for energy policy analysis.

Structural and Policy Implications

• Need for Smart Grid Modernisation: Deployment of advanced forecasting tools, AI-based load management, and automated switching systems is essential to manage renewable variability.
• Flexible Thermal Operations: Retrofitting coal plants for flexible operations can improve ramping capability and support renewable balancing.
• Energy Storage Expansion: Investment in:
  • Grid-scale battery storage
  • Pumped hydro storage
  • Green hydrogen-based storage is critical for long-term stability.
• Grid Infrastructure Strengthening: Transmission upgrades under initiatives like the Green Energy Corridors must be accelerated to integrate renewable-rich regions with demand centres.

In News:

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three consecutive flight trials of the indigenously developed Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The successful trials mark a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the broader framework of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

About VSHORADS

• VSHORADS is a Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) designed to neutralise low-altitude aerial threats.
• It has been indigenously designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Development-cum-Production Partners.
• The system is intended to strengthen India’s last-mile air defence capability, particularly against fast-moving and low-flying targets.

Key Features

• Portable and Lightweight System: VSHORADS is a short-range, lightweight surface-to-air missile system that can be deployed by an individual soldier or a small tactical unit, ensuring mobility and rapid response.
• Operational Range and Altitude
  • Maximum range: Up to 8 km
  • Engagement altitude: Up to 4.5 km

This makes it suitable for neutralising helicopters, drones, and low-flying aircraft.

• Advanced Technological Components: The missile incorporates several modern technologies, including:
  • Miniaturised Reaction Control System (RCS)
  • Integrated avionics package

The Reaction Control System (RCS) plays a crucial role in missile manoeuvrability. It enables precise attitude control and steering by using thrusters to provide controlled directional thrust. This enhances accuracy, especially during terminal engagement.

• Tri-Service Utility: The system is capable of meeting the operational requirements of all three armed forces —
  • Indian Army
  • Indian Navy
  • Indian Air Force

Strategic Significance

• Boost to Indigenous Defence Capability: VSHORADS reduces dependency on imported MANPADS systems and strengthens India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
• Enhanced Tactical Air Defence: It fills a critical gap in short-range air defence, particularly against:
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
  • Low-flying fighter aircraft
  • Attack helicopters
  • Precision-guided munitions
• Force Multiplier in Modern Warfare: With the increasing use of drones and low-altitude aerial threats in contemporary conflicts, portable air defence systems are essential for protecting forward posts, mobile formations, and strategic assets.
• Alignment with Integrated Air Defence Architecture: VSHORADS complements India’s layered air defence structure, which includes systems such as Akash, MR-SAM, and S-400, thereby strengthening multi-tiered protection.

In News:

Exercise Vayu Shakti-26 is a major biennial operational exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to demonstrate its readiness, combat potential, and integration of modern air power systems. Held recently at the Pokhran field firing range near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, the exercise forms a critical part of India’s military preparedness framework against evolving multi-domain threats.

Objectives and Operational Focus

The primary aim of Vayu Shakti-26 was to validate the IAF’s ability to undertake complex, integrated air operations under realistic battlefield conditions. Built around the core values of “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek” (Unerring, Invincible and Accurate), the exercise focused on:

• Enhancing operational preparedness in dynamic scenarios,
• Demonstrating tactical agility with rapid deployment and sustained operations,
• Integrating air defence, offensive air strikes, special operations, and support missions,
• Reassuring national security and deterrence postures.

For the first time, the exercise was conducted along a defined operational storyline, transforming static drills into a simulated live combat theatre, thereby enhancing realism and cohesive force application.

Scale and Platforms

Vayu Shakti-26 witnessed the participation of more than 130 aircraft representing a wide spectrum of IAF capabilities across different mission domains. This included:

• Combat aircraft: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar,
• Trainer and support platforms: Hawk aircraft,
• Transport and logistical support: C-130J Super Hercules, C-295, C-17 Globemaster III,
• Helicopter assets: Mi-17, indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.

Weapon Systems and Technological Integration

The exercise showcased several cutting-edge weapon systems and defensive technologies operationalised by the IAF:

• Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM) – providing precision strike options,
• Akash surface-to-air missile system – for medium-range air defence,
• SpyDer air defence system – capable of countering aerial threats at varied altitudes,
• Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) – designed to detect and neutralise hostile drones.

This integration underpins the IAF’s shift toward networked warfare capabilities, fusing sensors, shooters, and command systems for greater effectiveness.

Operational Themes and Key Demonstrations

A hallmark of Vayu Shakti-26 was the seamless synthesis of offensive and defensive air power with ground and special operations elements. Key components of the exercise included:

• Offensive air strikes against simulated high-value targets,
• Air defence operations ensuring integrity of friendly airspace,
• Special forces support missions, including insertion and extraction,
• Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenarios, reflecting operational versatility beyond conventional combat.

Such multi-role integration underscores the IAF’s role as both a deterrent and a force multiplier in national defence and crisis response.

Significance for National Security

In an era of heightened regional competition and technological transformation, Exercise Vayu Shakti-26 serves multiple strategic purposes:

• Reinforces the IAF’s operational readiness across the full spectrum of conflict,
• Demonstrates joint and integrated battle-space management capabilities,
• Validates the use of indigenous platforms alongside global systems,
• Signals resolve to adversaries while assuring domestic stakeholders of credible air power.

The exercise also offers valuable opportunities for learning and refinement of doctrines relevant to modern warfare, including multi-domain integration, high tempo operations, and adaptive command and control protocols.

In News:

In late February 2026, the Government of Meghalaya issued a public health advisory after suspected cases of meningococcal infection were reported among trainees at an Army training centre in Shillong, prompting heightened surveillance and containment measures.

Context and Incident Overview

The advisory by the State’s Health and Family Welfare Department was prompted by the deaths of two Agniveer trainees due to suspected meningococcal infection at the Assam Regimental Centre (ARC) in Shillong. All close contacts of the affected individuals were identified, isolated, and placed under medical observation.

Health authorities, including the State Surveillance Unit (SSU) and the District Surveillance Unit (DSU), East Khasi Hills, have initiated active epidemiological investigation, including case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory sample review, and enhanced surveillance in the affected institution and surrounding areas.

Officials have stated that no new suspected cases have been detected outside the initial cluster and that the situation is under close monitoring, with no current indication of wider spread.

About Meningococcal Infection

Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which can cause:

• Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
• Meningococcemia: Bloodstream infection that can progress rapidly and be fatal.

It is transmitted through respiratory and throat secretions via close or prolonged contact. It is less contagious than common cold or influenza pathogens but can spread quickly in crowded settings like hostels, barracks, or training facilities.

Although meningococcal disease occurs sporadically, the region has history of outbreaks; for instance, significant outbreaks were reported in North East India, including Meghalaya, in the past.

Clinical Features and Treatment

Initial symptoms often resemble mild illnesses but may quickly escalate, including:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Non-blanching purpuric rash
• Confusion or altered consciousness

Early recognition and swift treatment are critical, as untreated cases can result in rapid deterioration and high mortality. Standard management includes prompt antibiotic therapy and supportive care such as fluid management and respiratory support.

Public Health Measures and Advisory

In its advisory, the Meghalaya government urged citizens to:

• Avoid crowded places and follow respiratory hygiene by covering mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
• Maintain hand hygiene using soap and water or sanitiser.
• Wear masks, especially if experiencing symptoms or in densely populated settings.
• Monitor for symptoms such as fever, severe headache, or rash, and seek immediate medical care if signs appear.

These steps align with standard outbreak response protocols, including identification and monitoring of close contacts.

Public Health Importance and Surveillance

Meningococcal disease is a notifiable condition under India’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), which aims to detect early warning signals of outbreaks and initiate appropriate follow-up actions.

Strengthened surveillance, especially in institutional settings and among populations engaged in close living quarters, helps prevent potential outbreaks and supports early containment.