India Launches ADITI 2.0 and DISC 12 for Defence Innovation

India has launched ADITI 2.0 and DISC 12 initiatives to boost defence innovation. ADITI 2.0 focuses on 19 advanced technology challenges, including AI, quantum technology, military communication, and anti-drone systems.

ADITI 2.0 and DISC 12 Initiatives

Launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at DefConnect 4.0 in Delhi

ADITI 2.0 (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX):

- 19 technology challenges in advanced areas
- Covers AI, Quantum Technology, military communication, anti-drone systems
- Grants up to ₹25 crore for successful solutions

DISC 12 (12th Defence India Start-up Challenge):

- 41 new technology challenges
- Focus on UAVs, AI, Networking, and Communication
- Includes Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) initiative
- Grants up to ₹1.50 crore for top ideas

iDEX and Government Support for Defence Innovation

iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) initiative:

- Collaborates with Atal Innovation Mission
- Supports start-ups and MSMEs in developing defence technologies
- Reviewed over 9,000 applications, partnered with 450+ companies
- 26 products developed, procurement orders worth ₹1,000 crore placed

SIDBI iDEX Partner Incubator Fund:

- ₹50 crore allocated to 10 leading partner incubators
- Supports iDEX winners in advancing critical defence technologies

Government commitment to private sector involvement:

- Increased focus on private sector participation since 2014
- Aim to create new technologies and solutions for military needs

Objectives and Focus Areas

Shift from imitative to innovative technologies
Encourage private sector to develop future-ready solutions

Key technology domains:

- Artificial Intelligence
- Quantum Technology
- Military communication systems
- Anti-drone technology
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
- Medical technologies for Armed Forces
Emphasis on self-reliance ('Aatmanirbharta') in defence
Promoting synergy between public and private sectors

Achievements and Recognition

iDEX achievements:

- Over 9,000 applications received
- Collaboration with 450+ start-ups and MSMEs
- 26 products developed with procurement orders of ₹1,000+ crore
- Acceptance of Necessity and Request for Proposal worth ₹2,380+ crore for 37 products
ADITI initiative focusing on 30+ critical and strategic technologies
Felicitation of ADITI 1.0 winners at DefConnect 4.0

Showcase of innovations by leading iDEX winners:

- Munition Systems
- Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance
- Communication Systems
- Space Technologies

ECI Bye-Election Innovations 2025

In a groundbreaking development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) implemented a series of ECI bye-election innovations during the June 2025 bye-elections across five Assembly Constituencies

FASTag Rs 3000 Yearly Pass

The Government of India continues its push for smoother and more efficient travel experiences on national highways. In a major move, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari introduced the FASTag Rs 3000 year

Union Education Ministry PGI Report

The Union Education Ministry PGI report 2025 was officially released on June 18, 2025, offering a comprehensive analysis of the school education quality index across all Indian states and Union Te

Energy Transition Index 2025

The Energy Transition Index 2025, released by the World Economic Forum energy report, offers a critical view of how countries are progressing in shifting towards a sustainable, secure, and equitab

India-Iran Evacuation 2025

The India-Iran evacuation 2025 stands as one of the most significant international developments in recent times. With the sudden escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran, the Government o

C-DOT Samarth Program

The C-DOT Samarth Program has become a significant government-led initiative in India’s efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the telecom and ICT sectors. This program is

Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal

India is rapidly improving its transport and logistics infrastructure to support economic growth and faster connectivity. A major step in this direction is the launch of the Gati Shakti Multi-M

Yashasvi Solanki Indian Navy

In a historic development in the Indian Armed Forces, Yashasvi Solanki Indian Navy officer, aged 27, has become the first female ADC in India. She was formally appointed as the Aide-de-Camp (A

Narendra Modi Kutch Speech

The Narendra Modi speech in Kutch, delivered in May 2025, days after the successful Operation Sindoor, has become a landmark moment in Indian political and strategic discourse. F

16th Census of India 2027

The 16th Census of India 2027 is a historic and strategic national event that every SSC aspirant must be familiar with. Scheduled in two phases, this census marks the first time since 1931 that