Image

The Hidden Menace: How Orobanche Weed Threatens India's Mustard Edible Oil Security

January 14, 2026

India's Mustard Crisis: The Underground Weed Undermining Edible Oil Self-Sufficiency

India's quest for self-reliance in edible oils faces a mounting, hidden challenge from a parasitic weed, Orobanche aegyptiaca. Mustard, cultivated on nearly 9 million hectares across the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and West Bengal, is the country's largest home-grown source of edible oil. However, rising infestations of this root parasite are causing significant yield losses, directly impacting domestic production and import substitution goals.

Month: 

Category: 

SCORP Robot: India Unveils Its First Indigenous Legged Mobile Manipulator

January 14, 2026

India Unveils SCORP, Its First Indigenous Legged Mobile Manipulator

India has taken a notable leap in advanced robotics with the unveiling of SCORP, the country’s first legged mobile manipulator, developed by deep-tech startup xTerra Robotics. Incubated at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, the robot represents India’s growing capability to design sophisticated autonomous systems capable of operating in complex, unstructured, and hazardous environments.

Month: 

Category: 

Indian Army Inducts First Solar-Powered MAPSS Drone for Persistent Surveillance

January 14, 2026

Indian Army Inducts Solar-Powered Surveillance Drone to Boost Persistent Border Watch

India has strengthened its unmanned defence capabilities with the Indian Army signing a ₹168 crore contract for a solar-powered surveillance drone system, marking the first induction of a solar-driven unmanned aerial platform into Army service. The move significantly enhances long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) along sensitive borders.

Month: 

Category: 

Indian Army Launches DIME Platform to Modernise Logistics Ecosystem

January 13, 2026

Indian Army Launches DIME Platform to Digitally Transform Logistics Management

The Indian Army has rolled out a new pan-Army digital logistics platform named Depot Integration Management Edition (DIME), marking a major leap in the modernisation of its logistics and supply-chain architecture. The platform is aimed at accelerating logistics cycles, cutting down paperwork, and providing commanders with near real-time visibility of assets across formations.

Month: 

Category: 

Boda Tyohar Hati Tribe’s Grand Cultural Festival Begins in Himachal Pradesh

January 13, 2026

Hati Tribe Celebrates Boda Tyohar with Month-Long Cultural Festivities in Himachal Pradesh

The Hati tribal community has begun celebrations of Boda Tyohar, its most significant annual cultural festival, across Nahan and the Trans-Giri region of Sirmour in Himachal Pradesh. Observed by more than three lakh community members, the month-long festival showcases the tribe’s ancient traditions, social customs, and strong community bonds.

Month: 

Category: