Indian Institute of Skills (IIS)

♦ Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Mumbai via video conference on 9 October 2024. It aims to cultivate an industry-ready workforce for Industry 4.0, equipped with cutting-edge technology and hands-on training across a range of trades including factory automation, digital manufacturing, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and additive manufacturing catering to both the services and manufacturing sectors, as well as other emerging businesses. 

♦ It was established through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the institute is a collaboration between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India and Tata IIS (a section 8 company under Tata Trusts).

Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)

♦ India has successfully conducted three flight tests of the indigenously developed Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles at the Pokhran firing ranges in Rajasthan on 5 October 2024. 

♦ The tests, carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), were part of development trials aimed at enhancing the Indian Armed Forces’ ability to counter aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, drones, and other short-range targets.

♦ VSHORADS is a man-portable air defence system designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.