Prelims Focus 11th July 2026

11/07/2026

36 3 minutes read

Astra Mk 1 Missile

In News: India and Indonesia signed a landmark defense deal in Jakarta for the supply of indigenous Astra Mk 1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles. This agreement marks India’s first-ever export of the Astra system, significantly enhancing defense ties and advancing New Delhi’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative in the Indo-Pacific.

Astra Mk 1 Missile: Overview

Developer: Designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Manufacturer: Produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
Capability: It is an advanced, all-weather, radar-guided missile designed to hit supersonic targets beyond visual range.

Key Technical Specifications

Range: 80 to 110 km.
Speed: Mach 4.5.
Altitude Ceiling: Up to 20 km.

Strategic Significance

Export Milestone: Indonesia is the first foreign buyer. The missiles will arm Jakarta’s Su-30 fighter aircraft.
Market Potential: Validates India’s aerospace capabilities globally. It paves the way for further sales to other nations operating Russian-origin fighters.

Parrot bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4)

In News: Parrot bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) has been detected for the first time in the Indian subcontinent by a multi-institutional team of veterinary scientists. The study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights a significant biosecurity and wildlife conservation risk in India.

About Parrot bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4)

What it is: A highly contagious RNA virus affecting parrots and related birds.
The Impact: This virus causes Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), a fatal nervous system and stomach disorder in parrots.
Mechanism: It inflames nerves, paralyzing the bird’s stomach, leading to starvation and neurological tremors.
Transmission: Spreads via feces, saliva, and food; many infected birds show zero symptoms but still spread it.

Sabang Port

In News: In his recent visit, PM Modi and Indonesia’s counterpart agreed to work together to build Sabang Port in the Strait of Malacca.

Sabang Port lies at the northernmost point of Sumatra in Aceh Province, Indonesia, on Weh Island.
Being close to the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s most important shipping choke points, is its greatest saving grace.
These waters are the route to and from China for about 80% of the country’s oil imports and much of its trade.
sabang port
The port is also just about 160 kilometres away from India’s upcoming international transshipment terminal at Great Nicobar Island.
The two places could form a strategic sea lane linking the eastern Indian Ocean and the South East Asian region.
Together, these facilities will enable India to maintain surveillance over one of the busiest maritime choke points in the world, boost its surveillance capabilities, and further solidify its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific.
Sabang will push India to become more robust in its Act East Policy through the enhancement of maritime connectivity between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Aceh province in Indonesia.

Navi Mumbai Airport as Port For Import of Drugs

In News: Navi Mumbai Airport has been notified as a Port for Import of Drugs by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as per Drugs Rules, 1945.

A total of 42 notified ports of entry (road, rail, sea and air) for drug imports have been established.
The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, provides for importation of drugs only through notified ports of entry in India.
The move is likely to result in smoother movement of pharmaceutical consignment, boost logistics infrastructure and give flexibility to importers as they will have another point of entry for imports.

Energy Storage Demand is on the rise in India

In News: As India gears up for a surge in electricity demand and increased renewable energy integration, the country’s energy storage need is expected to skyrocket to 888 GWh by 2035-36.

The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) and Customised Energy Solutions (CES) report that India will need:
321 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
567 GWh from Pumped Storage Projects (PSP).
The installed storage capacity currently is only about 1 GWh in India, meaning that its scale-up is enormous.