E-Rickshaw BMS Vulnerability Exposes Cybersecurity Gaps: Need for Binding Regulations on Connected Battery Systems

Govt to Mandate Design-in-India Chips for Smart Meters by Mid-2028, 7.24 Cr Installed

The government plans to mandate domestically designed and manufactured chips in smart meters by mid-2028 to counter cybersecurity threats and reduce import dependence. With 7.24 crore smart meters already installed under various schemes, this move also aims at cost reduction and grid modernization under the new National Electricity Policy.

Subsea Cables Carry 99% Internet Traffic: Vulnerabilities, Ownership Concentration & India's Resilience Plan

Subsea cables carry over 99% of global internet traffic, yet their supply chain is concentrated among a few private players and hyperscalers, making them vulnerable to sabotage, cyberattacks, and economic disruption. Recent NATO, Finland, and China incidents highlight intensifying threats, while India is building repair capacity via a DoT single-window clearance portal. This is a high-yield topic for GS3 infrastructure, science-tech, and security questions.

KAVACH Version 4.0 Commissioned on SCR: India’s Indigenous Automatic Train Protection System Explained

KAVACH, India's indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, has been upgraded to Version 4.0 and commissioned on the South Central Railway's Malkajgiri–Kamareddi section over 108 route km. This is crucial for UPSC as it touches infrastructure, safety technology, and comparisons with global systems like ETCS, ATC, and PTC. The article also links to Sam Pitroda committee recommendations on railway modernisation.

AM/NS India Supplies 100% Steel for INS Malvan, 2nd Mahe Class ASW Shallow Watercraft Commissioned

INS Malvan, the Indian Navy's latest indigenously-built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercraft (ASW-SWC), has been commissioned using specialised steel from AM/NS India's Hazira plant in Surat. This highlights India's growing defence indigenisation (80%+ content) and the strategic role of Gujarat's industrial ecosystem in national security.

INS Nipun Commissioned: Indian Navy's 2nd Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel Enhances Submarine Rescue Capability

INS Nipun, the Indian Navy's second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, was commissioned at Mumbai. Built indigenously by HSL, it enhances India's submarine rescue, deep-sea diving, and salvage capabilities, marking a step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

NHAI Expands Digital Local Pass to 121 Plazas, Aims MLFF on All Highways by March 2029

India is moving towards barrier-less tolling with the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system. NHAI's expansion of digital local passes to 121 toll plazas and the target to implement MLFF on all four-lane national highways by March 2029 signal a major shift in highway toll collection. For UPSC aspirants, this is a critical GS3 topic covering infrastructure, technology (RFID, ANPR), and policy reforms.

₹1.27 Lakh Crore Semicon 2.0 Launched: India Targets Domestic Chip Design, 1 Lakh More Engineers

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Semicon India 2026, highlighting India's progress in semiconductor manufacturing. The government launched Semicon 2.0 with ₹1.27 lakh crore outlay, shifting focus to domestic chip design, talent development, and supply chain localisation. This is critical for national security and tech self-reliance.

MoRTH Mandates AIS-230 V2V Communication for All Vehicles from Oct 1, 2028

India is set to mandate Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication in all new vehicles from October 2028, using the 5.9 GHz spectrum for real-time safety alerts. This makes India one of the early adopters of C-V2X technology globally, a high-impact reform for road safety aspirants.