Why in NEWS
Chief of Army Staff Gen. Upendra Dwivedi inaugurated ‘Agnishodh’, the Indian Army Research Cell (IARC), at IIT Madras. Project SAMBHAV was also showcased as a major step toward secure military communication.
Key Terms / Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Agnishodh | Indian Army Research Cell at IIT Madras to convert academic research into defence technologies |
| Project SAMBHAV | 5G-based, encrypted mobile communication system for battlefield use |
| Technology Absorption | Army’s 2024 initiative to integrate cutting-edge technology into operations |
| INDIAai | National mission to promote artificial intelligence development in India |
| Chip-to-Startup | Scheme to boost domestic semiconductor and deep-tech ecosystem |
Key Points
| Agnishodh | Project SAMBHAV |
|---|---|
| Set up at IIT Madras as a tech-research cell | Enables encrypted, instant mobile communication |
| Converts lab innovations into deployable tech | Works in remote and high-risk areas |
| Focuses on AI, quantum tech, cybersecurity, unmanned systems | Based on 5G and is network agnostic |
| Upskills army personnel in emerging tech | Enhances battlefield communication security and speed |
| Supports Army’s Five Pillars of Transformation | Part of 2024 Tech Absorption vision |
In a nutshell
Code: A-SMART
A – Agnishodh
S – SAMBHAV
M – Military-tech tie-up
A – AI and Advanced Systems
R – Research to Reality
T – Tech-savvy Troops
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following technologies is NOT directly associated with Agnishodh?
a) Artificial Intelligence
b) Blockchain Voting
c) Quantum Computing
d) Unmanned Systems - Project SAMBHAV is primarily aimed at:
a) Boosting food logistics for soldiers
b) Developing stealth fighter aircraft
c) Enabling secure mobile battlefield communication
d) Manufacturing indigenous GPS systems - Which initiative is closely linked with India’s national AI strategy and defence research?
a) BharatNet
b) INDIAai
c) Gati Shakti
d) Sagar Mala
Prelims Answers and Explanations
| Q | Ans | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | b | Blockchain voting is unrelated to Agnishodh’s core focus areas |
| 2 | c | SAMBHAV is a secure, mobile 5G communication initiative for battlefield use |
| 3 | b | INDIAai is a key initiative in India’s AI and emerging tech ecosystem, aligned with Agnishodh’s goals |
