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India’s AMCA Programme Takes Flight: A Stealth Leap into the Future of Air Combat

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In a major leap toward self-reliance in defense technology, India is set to develop its very own fifth-generation fighter jet—the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) . In a historic move, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved an innovative execution model for the indigenous stealth fighter programme. This model brings together Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private industry players in a competitive framework, marking a significant shift in how India approaches military aviation manufacturing. This bold initiative comes at a critical time, as China has already fielded two fifth-generation fighters , and reports indicate it will supply 40 J-35 stealth jets to Pakistan . Against this backdrop, fast-tracking the AMCA has become an urgent national security imperative. AMCA: India’s Indigenous Stealth Fighter Dream The AMCA project , spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) , received its l...

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) – 125 Years of Solar Research

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Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) – 125 Years of Solar Research


The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) recently celebrated its 125th anniversary at an International Solar Conference, highlighting its pioneering contributions to solar studies.

About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO)

  • Established: 1899
  • Operated by: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)
  • Location: Kodaikanal, Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu
  • Reason for Selection:

  • Proximity to the equator 
  • Dust-free, high-altitude location 
    Ideal conditions for continuous solar observations.

Key Objectives of KSO

Solar Observation & Research

Monitors the Sun's activities, including:

  • Sunspots & solar flares 
  • Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) 
  • Solar magnetic fields 

Climate & Monsoon Studies

  • Collects solar radiation data to study its impact on Earth's climate and Indian monsoon patterns.

Longest Solar Data Archive

  • Houses over a century of solar data, crucial for studying long-term solar cycle variations.

Solar Physics Research & Global Collaboration

  • Collaborates with global space agencies like NASA & ISRO for solar physics advancements.

Contributions to Science & Astronomy

  • Provided some of the earliest recorded images of the Sun’s surface.
  • Helps in space weather prediction & solar storm monitoring.
  • Supports India’s space missions like Aditya-L1 for solar exploration.

Future Prospects

  • Upgrading telescopes with advanced solar imaging technologies.
  • Expanding collaborations with global solar observatories.
  • Enhancing contributions to climate science and space weather prediction.

For 125 years, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory has been a cornerstone of India's solar research, providing invaluable insights into solar activity and its impact on Earth. 

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