Classical Language

Classical Languages of India are those ancient languages that have been granted special status by the Government of India due to their deep cultural heritage, rich history, and literary wealth. As of October 2024, 11 languages have been accorded the status of Classical Language. These include the earlier 6 (Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia) and 5 newly added ones (Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, Bengali). This status brings benefits such as establishing dedicated centers for their study and honoring scholars.

List of Classical Languages:
Recognized by the Government of India:

• Tamil: (2004)
• Sanskrit: (2005)
• Telugu: (2008)
• Kannada: (2008)
• Malayalam: (2013)
• Odia: (2014)
• Marathi: (2024)
• Pali: (2024)
• Prakrit: (2024)
• Assamese: (2024)
• Bengali: (2024)

Benefits and Importance:

• The government provides financial assistance for establishing centers dedicated to the study and preservation of Classical Languages.

Academic and Cultural Impact:

• These languages gain wider cultural and academic recognition at both national and international levels.

International Awards:

• The Government of India annually honors scholars contributing to research in Classical Languages with the President’s Certificate of Honour and the Maharshi Badrayan Award.

Recognition Process:

• A Language Expert Committee (LEC) was constituted to evaluate proposals for granting Classical Language status.
• This committee assesses proposals based on criteria laid down for Classical Languages.

‘Sudarshan Chakra’ Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

A development that has startled both Pakistan and China – India’s enemies will now be neutralized mid-air. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a major milestone in strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.

India has conducted the first successful test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), sending a clear warning to adversaries. With this, India has added another golden chapter to its defence preparedness.

On August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address from the Red Fort, had announced that the nation would advance a new missile defence initiative named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’. Within just ten days of the announcement, on August 23, India carried out the first successful test of the indigenous IADWS off the Odisha coast.

This test has demonstrated the country’s multi-layered air defence capabilities. It will further strengthen the protection of critical installations from aerial threats.

What is IADWS?

The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) is not a single weapon but a combination of multiple advanced technologies. Its primary purpose is to neutralize every aerial threat in real-time.

The system consists of three core components:

1. Air Surveillance
2. Battle Management
3. Weapon Control

Radar functions as the “eye” of the system, detecting enemy aircraft or missiles, tracking them, and identifying whether they are friend or foe. Once confirmed as hostile, the Battle Management System takes charge and directs the response.

Similar Systems Worldwide

Major powers already possess such air defence systems:

• United States: Patriot Missile System, THAAD
• Russia: S-400
• Israel: Iron Dome

Now, India too joins this elite group. According to the Ministry of Defence, all weapons deployed during the Chandipur Integrated Test Range trial performed successfully, with data confirming their effectiveness.

Weapons Integrated into India’s IADWS

The three most lethal components of India’s IADWS are:

• QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile)
• VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System)
• DEW (Directed Energy Weapon)

QRSAM

An indigenous short-range missile developed by DRDO. It can simultaneously neutralize high-speed aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles within a range of 25–30 km. On the battlefield, it acts like a protective shield for advancing troops.

VSHORADS

A portable shoulder-fired air defence system, operated by soldiers. It can destroy enemy aircraft, helicopters, drones, and fighter jets within a 6 km range.
This fourth-generation indigenous VSHORADS is far more advanced than existing MANPADS, equipped with a state-of-the-art uncooled imaging infrared seeker.

DEW (Directed Energy Weapon)

The most advanced weapon of IADWS, DEW is a high-powered laser capable of disabling enemy drones, missiles, and electronic systems within minutes.
It has virtually unlimited firing capacity and can engage multiple targets at low cost.

Why is IADWS Crucial for India?

IADWS is expected to be a strategic game-changer for India.

• It provides multi-layered defence, countering threats from high-speed aircraft and cruise missiles to swarms of drones.
• Sudarshan Chakra will not only neutralize enemy attacks but also enable effective counterstrikes.
• In the future, IADWS will be integrated with the Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and the Army’s Akashtir network.