3rd JULY 2026 ENGLISH TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF TNPSC SHOUTERS
Defence Acquisition Council Approves Capital Procurement Proposals to Enhance Armed Forces' Readiness
- On July 3, 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, granted 'Acceptance of Necessity' (AoN)—or in-principle administrative approval for various procurement proposals worth ₹52,000 crore for the armed forces.
- For the Indian Army, approval has been granted to procure the 'Akash Tarang' (an anti-drone electronic warfare system), anti-tank missile systems, a medium-range surface-to-air missile weapon system, a Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), an Active Protection System for tanks, and jet-based kamikaze drones.
- The 'Akash Tarang' system will provide effective anti-drone protection to Army units. The anti-tank system will enhance the Army's capability to counter enemy mechanized threats. The medium-range surface-to-air missile system provides air defence against various long-range aerial threats.
- Defence equipment featuring multi-spectral sensing technology will improve the Indian Army's counter-measure capabilities and operational efficiency. The Active Protection System will bolster the defensive mechanisms of tanks, thereby increasing their operational effectiveness on the battlefield.
- Jet-based kamikaze drones offer high lethality and operational efficiency, along with superior electronic warfare capabilities, while serving as cost-effective assets. For the Indian Navy, approval was granted for the procurement of 'Multi-Influence Ground Mines' and ship-based Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), as well as for the establishment of a ground-based testing facility for electric propulsion systems.
- The National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM)—an Institute of National Importance operating under the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries in Kundli, Haryana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Massey University, New Zealand.
- The agreement was signed on July 2, 2026, in the presence of the Ministry's Secretary, Mr. A.P. Das Joshi, Joint Secretary Mr. Devesh Deval, and a senior team led by NIFTEM Director Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi. The objective of this agreement is to strengthen academic and research collaboration in the fields of food technology, food processing, innovation, and higher education.
- The collaboration encompasses joint research projects, joint applications for third-party funding, participation in seminars and academic meetings, exchange of ideas among faculty and researchers, and student exchange programs. Dedicated coordinators from both institutions will oversee the implementation of these joint initiatives.
- The agreement is valid for a period of five years, with a provision for renewal for another five years subject to the mutual consent of both parties. Furthermore, the agreement establishes a legal framework for fostering future academic collaborations while ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights.
- This collaborative effort is expected to enhance international academic cooperation, foster innovation in food technology and processing, facilitate knowledge exchange, and provide significant opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty from both institutions.
