Indias Pralay Missile: Two Successful Tests Validate 500km Range, 700kg Payload
Indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the 'Pralay' missile is meant for conventional battlefield deployment and represents a giant step in India's military power.
Two consecutive flight trials of 'PRALAY' missile was successfully carried out on 28th and 29th July 2025 as a part of User Evaluation Trials to validate the maximum and minimum range capability of the missile system. The missiles precisely followed the intended trajectory and… pic.twitter.com/jhr0fTMZuF — DRDO (@DRDO_India) July 29, 2025
About The 'Pralay' Missile
The 'Pralay' (also known as 'Doom' or 'Annihilation') is an SRBM short-range ballistic missile specifically designed for use on the battlefield to meet the requirements of the Indian Air Force and the Army. Its main characteristics are
Range: 'Pralay' has a strike range of 150 to 500 kilometers, and it can target both tactical and strategic targets.
Payload: It is capable of carrying a conventional warhead weighing 350 to 700 kilograms, and it can target key targets like command centers, logistical bases, and airbases precisely.
Propulsion & Guidance: Powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor, the missile provides fast launch capabilities. With onboard advanced navigation and avionics, mid-flight trajectory corrections can be made, making it difficult for opponents to intercept.
Mobility: With a twin-launcher system mounted on a high-mobility vehicle, 'Pralay' is optimized for quick deployment in critical border regions.
Notably, 'Pralay' is being conceived under India's 'No First Use' nuclear doctrine for use in conventional attacks. This strategic placement enables India to provide a strong retaliation option to opponents without the use of nuclear weapons.
Successful Test Launches
The initial successful test launch was conducted at 9:35 AM on July 28, 2025, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island. The missile successfully struck the targeted point, meeting all the performance parameters. The second consecutive test on July 29, 2025, also corroborated the real-world performance of the missile, both tests proving to be precise and reliable.
The trajectory of the missile in both tests was carefully tracked by detailed coastal monitoring systems, verifying its precision and the strength of its control system. These consecutive successes reflect DRDO's commitment to indigenous technology progress and India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) drive.
Strategic Advantage For India
The 'Pralay' missile is likely to greatly enhance India's defense along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC). Its benefits are:
Rapid Response: The missile has a launch time of under 10 minutes, giving it a decisive edge in times of border tensions.
Deterrence & Control: It acts as a deterrent for would-be aggressors and provides a mechanism to control encounters in short-range combat areas.
Accuracy: With the latest technology, it can precisely strike vital enemy installations.
Ease of Deployment: Its double-launcher configuration on a high-mobility platform means quick deployment on the borders.
'Pralay' will supplement current systems such as the BrahMos missile to further augment India's overall strike capabilities.
Milestone For Indian Security
Such successful tests are a landmark milestone for India's security, as they:
Prove the success of DRDO's indigenous technology.
Equip the Indian Army and Air Force with a solid conventional weapon that can de-escalate tensions at the borders without escalating to nuclear threats.
Give India a strategic advantage over surrounding nations, particularly considering the delicate condition of the LAC and LoC.
After these successful tests, the 'Pralay' missile is ready for early induction into the Indian Defence Forces, setting a new trajectory for the country's defence readiness. While its induction could be seen as threatening by countries in the vicinity, perhaps raising local tensions, DRDO is also considering ways to further extend its range and even export it globally, strengthening the defence diplomacy of India.
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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Pralay missile, SARs used in NISAR and more (Week 121)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Pralay missile, consider the following statements: 1. It is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile. 2. This missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets. 3. The first test of Pralay was conducted in 2024. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted two consecutive successful tests of quasi-ballistic missile Pralay from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha — The flight tests were carried out as a part of user evaluation trials to validate the maximum and minimum range capability of the missile system. 'The missiles precisely followed the intended trajectory and reached the target point with pin-point accuracy meeting all the test objectives. — Pralay is an indigenously-developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile employing state-of-the-art guidance and navigation to ensure high precision. The missile is capable of carrying multiple types of warheads against various targets. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. — The first test of Pralay (which means widespread destruction) was conducted in December 2021. The missile is slated to be armed with a conventional warhead and will be inducted into the artillery of the Indian Army. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. With reference to the Synthetic Aperture Radars (SARs) used in NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), consider the following statements: 1. Both the L-band and S-band radars can see through clouds, smoke, rain or fog, thus getting an unfiltered view of the Earth across all weathers and through day and night. 2. The S-band SAR uses higher wavelength microwaves, which can better penetrate tree cover or vegetation, and even sand or ice. 3. The L-band SAR has a shorter wavelength, is unable to go much deeper, but is good for capturing the larger features, such as crop fields or water bodies. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) uniqueness is the two SARs that it is fitted with. Radars. — A number of SAR-equipped satellites are currently deployed in space. ISRO's RISAT (Radar Imaging Satellites) family of satellites, recently renamed the EOS series, carry SAR. Some of ISRO's other Earth observation satellites, such as Cartosat and Oceansat, do not use SAR. — The power of NISAR is derived from two SARs, one in the L-band and the other in the S-band. They are meant to record complementary sets of photographs for the same region at the same time, resulting in a hitherto unattainable level of detail on Earth. Both L-band and S-band radars can see through clouds, smoke, rain, and fog, providing an unfiltered image of the Earth in all weather conditions and at any time of day or night. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The L-band SAR, which uses higher wavelength microwaves, can better penetrate tree cover or vegetation, and even sand or ice. It is, therefore, able to capture minute details of surface undulations, and can see through dense forest cover, for example, to map the ground below and measure tree trunk biomass, which is very useful for estimating carbon stock. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The S-band SAR, which has a shorter wavelength, is unable to go much deeper, but is good for capturing the larger features, such as crop fields or water bodies. It can observe crops like soybean, corn, sugarcane and provide information on their different growth and maturity stages. This observation will especially focus on India. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the pollutants and their sources, consider the following pairs: 1. PM 2.5 – Predominantly produced by vehicle emissions and thermal power plants. 2. Nitrogen dioxide – Produced primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels by vehicles, thermal power plants, and various industrial processes. 3. Soot – It comes from sources such as vehicle exhaust emissions and burning wood. How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) All three pairs (d) None of the above pairs Explanation — According to a new large-scale study conducted by Cambridge University researchers, long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of getting dementia. The analysis, published in The Lancet Planetary Health on Thursday (July 24), is the most comprehensive assessment of its kind, based on a systematic examination of 51 studies and data from more than 29 million people exposed to air pollution for at least one year. — The current study is the most extensive of its type, and it discovered a positive and statistically significant link between three prevalent air contaminants and dementia. — PM2.5: Predominantly produced by vehicle emissions and thermal power plants, PM2.5 is extremely fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. The study found that for every 10 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) of long-term exposure to PM2.5, an individual's relative risk of dementia would increase by 17% from the baseline. Hence, pair 1 is correct. — NO2: Nitrogen dioxide is produced primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels by vehicles, thermal power plants, and various industrial processes. The study found that for every 10 μg/m³ of long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide, the relative risk of dementia increased by 3%. Hence, pair 2 is correct. — Soot: Soot or Black Carbon PM2.5 comes from sources such as vehicle exhaust emissions and burning wood. The study reported that dementia risk jumped by 13% for each 1 μg/m³ of long-term soot exposure. The Central Pollution Control Board does not separately report BC/PM2.5 levels. Hence, pair 3 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The term 'hypocenter' with reference to an earthquake refers to: (a) the location below the Earth's surface where the earthquake starts (b) the location on the surface of the Earth where it cracks (c) the location from where the seismograph measures the intensity of the earthquake (d) the location adjacent to the seismically prone region Explanation — A powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia's Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami waves of up to 16 feet, which had started to American shores along Hawaii's islands and off the coast of northern California. — An earthquake is an intense shaking of the ground caused by movement under the Earth's surface. It happens when two blocks of the Earth suddenly slip past one another. This releases stored-up 'elastic strain' energy in the form of seismic waves, which spread through the Earth and cause the shaking of the ground. — The Earth's outermost surface, crust, is fragmented into tectonic plates. The edges of the plates are called plate boundaries, which are made up of faults — zones of fractures between two blocks of rock. The tectonic plates constantly move at a slow pace, sliding past one another and bumping into each other. As the edges of the plates are quite rough, they get stuck with one another while the rest of the plate keeps moving. — Earthquake occurs when the plate has moved far enough and the edges unstick on one of the faults. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) says that 'the location below the Earth's surface where the earthquake starts is called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the Earth is called the epicentre.' Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to 'ham' radio, consider the following statements: 1. It is used for educational and knowledge purposes. 2. Communication can be set up between two licensed hams. 3. In India, individuals below the age of 21 are not permitted to operate a ham radio. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut, used a ham radio from the International Space Station to communicate with schoolchildren in his home country. — Amateur radio, sometimes known as ham radio, is a licensed radio service that uses radio waves to create communication. Ham radio service is mostly used for educational and informational purposes, as well as emergency or SOS communications. Trained ham operators can establish contact between two licensed amateur radio operators using a designated frequency, a transceiver, and an antenna. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. — Communication might be hyper-local, global, or space-based. In India, everyone over the age of 12 is entitled to use a ham radio. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issues these licenses. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — In 1983, amateur radio was used for the first time on a space shuttle to communicate between space and Earth. — The ISS also contains a ham radio, called the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), which is frequently used to coordinate astronaut-student contacts. The goal of such exchanges is to encourage the next generation. — This teaching opportunity is supported by amateur radio organisations, as well as space agencies in the United States, Russia, Canada, Japan, and Europe, which provide equipment and operational support. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), consider the following statements: 1. It was established as a successor to INCOSPAR in 1969. 2. It is the nodal space agency under the Department of Space (DoS), which was formed in 1972. 3. Its core mandate includes designing launch vehicles, satellites, and applying space technology for societal development. 4. ISRO functions autonomously under the Ministry of Science & Technology. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 4 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) All of the above Explanation — Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of India. The organisation is involved in science, engineering and technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for India and the mankind. — ISRO is a major constituent of the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India. The department executes the Indian Space Programme primarily through various Centres or units within ISRO. — ISRO was previously the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), set up by the Government of India in 1962, as envisioned by Dr. VikramA Sarabhai. — ISRO was formed on August 15, 1969 and superseded INCOSPAR with an expanded role to harness space technology. DOS was set up and ISRO was brought under DOS in 1972. — The prime objective of ISRO/DOS is the development and application of space technology for various national needs. — ISRO has developed satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place the satellites in the required orbits. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other source: What are Population III stars? (a) the first stars in the universe (b) the recent stars in the universe. (c) the smallest, long-living, dim stars. (d) None of the above Explanation — The very first stars — so-called Population III stars — were unlike any we see today. Born from pristine hydrogen and helium, they were massive, short-lived, and intensely bright. Some may have been hundreds of times the mass of our Sun, burning hot and dying young in titanic supernovae that scattered heavy elements across space. These explosions seeded the universe with the ingredients for future generations of stars, planets, and eventually, life. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to 'reionization', consider the following statements: 1. It is an important phenomenon in our universe's history as it presents one of the few means by which we can (indirectly) study these earliest stars. 2. Scientists have recently discovered when the first stars were formed and when the reionization process started to occur. Which of the above given statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation According to 'The energetic ultraviolet light from these first stars was capable of splitting hydrogen atoms back into electrons and protons (or ionizing them). This era, from the end of the dark ages to when the universe was around a billion years old, is known as 'the epoch of reionization.' It refers to the point when most of the neutral hydrogen was reionized by the increasing radiation from the first massive stars. Reionization is an important phenomenon in our universe's history as it presents one of the few means by which we can (indirectly) study these earliest stars. But scientists do not know exactly when the first stars formed and when this reionization process started to occur.' Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 119) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 121) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 120) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 120) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than five years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'LIVE with Manas'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
India.com
14 hours ago
- India.com
After Op Sindoor, IAF expanding stockpile of THIS deadly missile which devastated Pakistan, has 560 km range, stealth capabilities, name is…, not BrahMos, Agni
IAF's SCALP missiles devastated terror targets in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. (File) SCALP Missile: The Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased its wide array of powerful missiles and fighter jets, including the SCALP long-range cruise missile and the homegrown BrahMos super-sonic missiles during Operation Sindoor, which wreaked widespread destruction on Pakistani military infrastructure during the nearly 4-day long conflict. Why IAF is boosting SCALP missile stockpile? Now, due to its spectacular success during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, the IAF is reportedly pushing to bolster its arsenal of SCALP missiles, while the Indian Navy has also ordered the long-range missiles for its fleet of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets, which are expected to be delivered in early 2028. During Operation Sindoor, the IAF deployed SCALP missiles from its Rafale fighter jets to target and destroy airbase hangars, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) storage units and military command centers across Pakistan. How powerful are IAF's SCALP missiles? Designed and developed by European arms maker MBDA, the 'Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée' (SCALP), also known as Storm Shadow missiles in the UK, is a stealthy, air-launched long-range cruise missile designed to penetrate heavily guarded airspace and strike high-value targets with surgical precision. Boasting a range of over 560 km, the SCALP carries a dual-stage warhead, and is uses advanced navigation systems, including GPS, aerial enhanced guidance and geo-referenced navigation, to make precision strikes on its target with a circular error probable (CEP) of less than one meter. How SCALP missiles devastated Pakistan during Op Sindoor? According to Indian armed forces, SCALP missiles fired from Rafale jets destroyed nine terror bases as well as critical Pakistani military infrastructure such as airbase hangars housing fighter jets, UAV storage units housing drones supplied by China, and command centers, during the four-day long India-Pakistan war that followed Operation Sindoor. IAF's Rafale fighter jets fired SCALP missiles from standoff distances without stepping into the range of Pakistan's air defense systems, and were able to deliver crippling strikes on enemy targets, they said. The 560 km range of SCALP enabled India's Rafales to strike enemy targets with deadly precision without the need to venture into contested airspace, while the stealth features of the missile made it highly difficult for enemy air defense system to track and intercept.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
School Assembly news headlines for today August 1, 2025: From sports to education, check 20+ national & international news
School Assembly news headlines for today August 1, 2025: On August 1, 2025, stay updated with more than 20 key news headlines covering important national and international developments for your school assembly. Today's news highlights include major sports achievements and updates, significant education reforms, and the latest happenings from across the world. Students and teachers can expect a detail roundup featuring top stories that matter—from breakthroughs in sports events to impactful educational policies and global affairs shaping the future. Prepare to engage and inform with these headlines for a well-rounded assembly session. Today's national news headlines in English for school assembly, August 1, 2025 DRDO successfully tests 'Pralay' missile's full range over two days, validating accuracy with Indian Armed Forces support. Amit Shah confirms three Lashkar terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev and criticizes opposition for ignoring anti-terror victory. Supreme Court to hear Tamil Nadu and Kerala's challenge against Presidential reference on deadlines for bill approvals. RBI Digital Payments Index jumps to 493.22 in March 2025, indicating rapid growth in digital transactions and UPI. PM Modi praises Operation Sindoor, stating Pahalgam terror attack was avenged within 22 minutes with precision strikes. Today's international news headlines in English for school assembly, August 1, 2025 EU proposes limiting Israel's access to Horizon Europe over Gaza crisis, awaiting member states' approval. US says more talks needed with India on trade deal ahead of August 1 tariff deadline, citing market protection concerns. Global hunger declines for the third year in 2024, says UN report, though conflict and climate continue to worsen malnutrition in some regions. North Korea rules out denuclearisation talks and states nuclear status is non-negotiable despite stable ties with the US. US and China hold the second day of trade talks in Sweden to resolve ongoing tariff disputes affecting the global economy. Today's sports news headlines in English for school assembly, August 1, 2025 Kyle Feldscher reports another Cleveland Guardians pitcher is on leave due to a gambling investigation. Teenage swim sensation Summer McIntosh beats Katie Ledecky to win gold in the 400m freestyle at World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Oscar Piastri wins rain-delayed Belgian Grand Prix, extending his Formula One drivers' championship lead. Bubba Wallace becomes first Black driver to win a major race on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's oval. Nick Kurtz becomes first MLB rookie to hit four home runs in a single game during the Athletics' 15-3 win over the Houston Astros. Today's education news headlines in English for school assembly, August 1, 2025 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan lays foundation stone for ₹200 crore projects at Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. 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Top business and economic news headlines for August 1, 2025 Harvard University to Share Thousands of I-9 Employment Verification Forms with Federal Government. Trump Administration Freezes $108 Million in Federal Funds to Duke University Medical School Over Antidiscrimination Allegations. Novo Nordisk Cuts Sales Forecast for Obesity Drug Wegovy Due to Compounding Pharmacy Impact. Federal Trade Commission Takes Action Against Executive Order Terminating Collective Bargaining Rights of Federal Workers. Washington State Challenges Trump Administration's Termination of Shelter and Services Program for Migrants. Daily word and thought of the day for school assembly, August 1, 2025 For the school assembly on August 1, 2025, here are the daily word and thought of the day: Daily Word:Assay - Meaning: To test, examine, or evaluate something, especially in a scientific or analytical context. Thought of the Day: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." — Psalm 34:8 For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
