Q: Which of the following systems displayed at the Motihari DRDO exhibition is an airborne early warning and control platform?

The AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) system was listed among the key displays, making it the correct choice. Relevant for GS3.

Q: Explain the significance of the DRDO exhibition at Motihari (15‑18 April 2026) in advancing India’s Aatmanirbhar defence policy.

Highlight the showcase of over 30 indigenous systems, reduction of import dependence, demonstration of self‑reliance, and the exhibition’s role in public awareness and policy reinforcement. Relevant for GS3.

Q: Evaluate the role of parliamentary oversight, particularly the Standing Committee on Defence, in strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Discuss the constitutional basis for parliamentary committees, their functions in policy review and budget scrutiny, examples like the Motihari expo inauguration, and how such oversight facilitates funding, accountability, and faster indigenisation. Relevant for GS2.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) will exhibit over 30 advanced defence systems at a Motihari expo from 15‑18 April 2026, highlighting India’s push for self‑reliant (Aatmanirbhar) defence capabilities. The showcase, inaugurated by MP Shri Radha Mohan Singh, underscores strategic autonomy and offers UPSC aspirants concrete examples of indigenous missile, artillery, and protective technologies relevant to GS III (Defence) and the broader ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ policy.

Overview The DRDO will exhibit a wide spectrum of cutting‑edge defence systems at the Mahatma Gandhi Prekshagrih in Motihari, Bihar from 15 to 18 April 2026 . The exhibition, inaugurated by Shri Radha Mohan Singh, MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence , is themed “ Shanti, Satya Aur Vigyan Ka Sangam – Surakshit Aur Aatmanirbhar Bharat Ki Aur ”. It aims to demonstrate India’s progress towards a self‑reliant defence ecosystem. Key Developments (Bullet Points) Display of the AEW&C system, enhancing situational awareness. Showcasing of the Akash missile and its next‑generation launcher Akash‑NG . Exhibition of the supersonic BrahMos missile. Presentation of strategic weapons such as the A‑SAT missile, Prithvi and the anti‑tank NAG . Artillery advancements including the ATAGS and the Pinaka MLRS . Armoured platforms such as the Arjun‑Mk‑I & II , Indian Light Tank (ILT) and modular bridging solutions. Indigenous propulsion showcase: rapid prototype of the Kaveri Engine with spatial reality display. Protective technologies for CBRN scenarios, including ACADA systems, NBC suits and water‑purification units. Important Facts The exhibition will feature over 30 distinct systems ranging from missile technology to naval steel composites. It serves as a platform for the public, especially youth, to witness the tangible outcomes of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ drive in defence. The event also aligns with the government’s broader objective of reducing import dependence for critical defence equipment. UPSC Relevance Understanding DRDO’s portfolio is essential for GS III (Defence) and GS II (Polity) as it reflects India’s strategic autonomy, indigenous R&D capabilities, and the role of parliamentary oversight (e.g., the Standing Committee on Defence). The showcased systems illustrate concepts of deterrence, force multiplication, and the challenges of modern warfare, all of which are frequent essay topics. Moreover, the emphasis on self‑reliance ties into the broader economic policy of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ , intersecting with GS III (Economy) discussions on import substitution. Way Forward For aspirants, it is advisable to track the operational induction timelines of these systems, assess their impact on India’s defence posture, and analyse policy measures that facilitate indigenous production. Monitoring future exhibitions and DRDO’s annual reports will provide updated data for answer writing. Additionally, linking these technological strides to India’s strategic doctrines (e.g., ‘Cold Start’) can enrich analytical responses in the UPSC mains.

<h3>Overview</h3> <p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Defence Research & Development Organisation — India's premier agency for research and development in defence technologies (GS3: Defence)">DRDO</span> will exhibit a wide spectrum of cutting‑edge defence systems at the Mahatma Gandhi Prekshagrih in Motihari, Bihar from <strong>15 to 18 April 2026</strong>. The exhibition, inaugurated by <strong>Shri Radha Mohan Singh, MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence</strong>, is themed “<strong>Shanti, Satya Aur Vigyan Ka Sangam – Surakshit Aur Aatmanirbhar Bharat Ki Aur</strong>”. It aims to demonstrate India’s progress towards a self‑reliant defence ecosystem.</p> <h3>Key Developments (Bullet Points)</h3> <ul> <li>Display of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Airborne Early Warning and Control — airborne radar system that provides surveillance and command for air defence (GS3: Defence)">AEW&C</span> system, enhancing situational awareness.</li> <li>Showcasing of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Akash — medium‑range surface‑to‑air missile system developed by DRDO for air defence (GS3: Defence)">Akash</span> missile and its next‑generation launcher <em>Akash‑NG</em>.</li> <li>Exhibition of the supersonic <span class="key-term" data-definition="BrahMos — supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, capable of land‑attack missions (GS3: Defence)">BrahMos</span> missile.</li> <li>Presentation of strategic weapons such as the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Anti‑Satellite (A‑SAT) missile — weapon designed to destroy satellites in orbit, enhancing anti‑space capabilities (GS3: Defence)">A‑SAT</span> missile, <span class="key-term" data-definition="Prithvi — short‑range ballistic missile developed by DRDO (GS3: Defence)">Prithvi</span> and the anti‑tank <span class="key-term" data-definition="NAG Anti‑Tank Guided Missile — DRDO’s fire‑and‑forget missile for infantry units (GS3: Defence)">NAG</span>.</li> <li>Artillery advancements including the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) — DRDO’s 155 mm artillery gun offering higher range and mobility (GS3: Defence)">ATAGS</span> and the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System — indigenous rocket artillery system for rapid saturation fire (GS3: Defence)">Pinaka MLRS</span>.</li> <li>Armoured platforms such as the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Arjun MBT — Main Battle Tank series developed indigenously by DRDO (GS3: Defence)">Arjun‑Mk‑I & II</span>, Indian Light Tank (ILT) and modular bridging solutions.</li> <li>Indigenous propulsion showcase: rapid prototype of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Kaveri Engine — indigenous turbofan engine programme for fighter aircraft, a key step towards self‑reliance (GS3: Defence)">Kaveri Engine</span> with spatial reality display.</li> <li>Protective technologies for <span class="key-term" data-definition="CBRN — Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear threats, requiring specialised protective equipment (GS3: Defence)">CBRN</span> scenarios, including ACADA systems, NBC suits and water‑purification units.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The exhibition will feature over 30 distinct systems ranging from missile technology to naval steel composites. It serves as a platform for the public, especially youth, to witness the tangible outcomes of the <strong>‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’</strong> drive in defence. The event also aligns with the government’s broader objective of reducing import dependence for critical defence equipment.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>Understanding DRDO’s portfolio is essential for GS III (Defence) and GS II (Polity) as it reflects India’s strategic autonomy, indigenous R&D capabilities, and the role of parliamentary oversight (e.g., the Standing Committee on Defence). The showcased systems illustrate concepts of deterrence, force multiplication, and the challenges of modern warfare, all of which are frequent essay topics. Moreover, the emphasis on self‑reliance ties into the broader economic policy of <strong>‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’</strong>, intersecting with GS III (Economy) discussions on import substitution.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>For aspirants, it is advisable to track the operational induction timelines of these systems, assess their impact on India’s defence posture, and analyse policy measures that facilitate indigenous production. Monitoring future exhibitions and DRDO’s annual reports will provide updated data for answer writing. Additionally, linking these technological strides to India’s strategic doctrines (e.g., ‘Cold Start’) can enrich analytical responses in the UPSC mains.</p>

Quick Reference

Key Insight

DRDO’s Motihari Expo showcases indigenous defence tech, reinforcing Aatmanirbhar Bharat and parliamentary oversight.

Key Facts

The DRDO exhibition at Mahatma Gandhi Prekshagrih, Motihari runs from 15‑18 April 2026.
Over 30 indigenous defence systems will be displayed, ranging from missiles to naval composites.
Key systems showcased include AEW&C, Akash‑NG, BrahMos, A‑SAT missile, ATAGS, Pinaka MLRS, Arjun‑Mk‑I & II, and a rapid prototype of the Kaveri engine.
The event was inaugurated by Shri Radha Mohan Singh, MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence.
The exhibition theme is “Shanti, Satya Aur Vigyan Ka Sangam – Surakshit Aur Aatmanirbhar Bharat Ki Aur”.
It underscores India’s push for self‑reliant (Aatmanirbhar) defence capabilities and reduced import dependence.

Background

DRDO, as the apex defence R&D agency, drives India’s strategic autonomy through indigenous systems, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat policy. Parliamentary oversight, exemplified by the Standing Committee on Defence, ensures accountability and facilitates policy support for indigenous production, a key focus in GS‑II (Polity) and GS‑III (Defence & Economy).

UPSC Syllabus

GS2 — Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, powers and privileges
GS2 — Comparison with other countries constitutional schemes

Mains Angle

GS‑III: Analyse how indigenous defence technologies showcased at Motihari enhance strategic autonomy and economic self‑reliance, and discuss the role of parliamentary oversight in fostering the Aatmanirbhar defence ecosystem.

Key Facts

Background & Context

UPSC Syllabus Connections

Mains Answer Angle

Full Article

Practice Questions

Prelims MCQ

Mains Short Answer

Mains Essay

Quick Reference

Key Insight

Key Facts

Background

UPSC Syllabus

Mains Angle

Overview

Key Facts

Background & Context

UPSC Syllabus Connections

Mains Answer Angle

Full Article

Analysis

Practice Questions

Prelims MCQ

Mains Short Answer

Mains Essay

Quick Reference

Key Insight

Key Facts

Background

UPSC Syllabus

Mains Angle