Rajnath Singh approves revised SOP to streamline access to proof and firing ranges
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Security forces & agencies· Prelims·
Defence infrastructure and R&D support: a GS3 Internal Security and Atmanirbhar Bharat case study.
Why in news
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a revised SOP to streamline access to proof and firing ranges for indigenous projects to support 'atmanirbharta'.
Background
The Defence Ministry's revised SOP waives charges for iDEX, Technology Development Fund (TDF), and Make projects. It reserves three-day quarterly slots for government-sponsored and indigenous projects using DRDO, Government Quality Assurance agencies, and the three Services' facilities.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyTDF: Technology Development Fund, a scheme to support R&D for indigenous technology.
- FactThe revised SOP reserves three-day quarterly slots for indigenous and government-sponsored projects.
- BodyDRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation, involved in the testing facilities.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the revised SOP for access to proof and firing ranges, consider the following statements:
- The SOP reserves weekly slots for government-sponsored and indigenous projects.
- The testing facilities involve the DRDO and Government Quality Assurance agencies.
- The revised SOP waives charges for iDEX, Technology Development Fund (TDF), and Make projects.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 3 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The SOP reserves three-day quarterly slots, not weekly slots.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how streamlining access to testing infrastructure can accelerate the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in the defence manufacturing sector.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Infrastructure bottleneck: Limited availability of high-grade proof and firing ranges for private startups.
- Fiscal incentive: Waiver of charges as a non-monetary subsidy to reduce R&D costs for indigenous firms.
Keywords: Atmanirbharta · Defence Procurement · R&D Infrastructure · iDEX · Technology Development Fund
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.