The Indian Navy is investigating an innovative concept called Rearming by Drone (REARM‑D) at Sea, which proposes using multi‑rotor drones to reload surface‑to‑air missiles into vertical launch system (VLS) cells on warships while they remain at sea. As part of this initiative, the Navy has issued an official problem statement under the Defence India Start-Up Challenge 14, focused on addressing the complex challenge of replenishing VLS cells without requiring ships to return to port. This forward-looking approach aims to strengthen operational endurance and reduce reliance on shore-based facilities for critical munitions resupply.
The REARM‑D concept revolves around deploying autonomous, robust drones capable of lifting and precisely positioning heavy missile canisters in difficult maritime conditions. These drones would be designed to manage the weight and size of surface-to-air missile reloads, ensuring safe transfer from supply vessels or onboard storage to the VLS cells of frontline warships.
By embracing drone-based rearming, the Navy seeks to overcome one of modern naval warfare’s most challenging logistical tasks: maintaining missile readiness during extended deployments. Traditionally, reloading vertical launch systems has been a slow, resource-intensive process that requires calm conditions, cranes, and port facilities. REARM‑D aims to bypass these constraints, enabling warships to stay combat-ready even in remote or contested waters.
This initiative also highlights the Navy’s growing focus on unmanned systems as force multipliers. Multi‑rotor drones, capable of hovering and precise payload delivery, are ideally suited to align and insert missile canisters into VLS cells accurately. The technical specifications for these drones are ambitious. They must carry payloads exceeding 900 kg to handle missile canisters, operate for over two hours, and likely use a hybrid propulsion system with an internal combustion engine to resist strong sea winds. Equally important is their ability to hover steadily and lower missiles into designated VLS cells using a winch system, demonstrating high guided precision.
If deployed, these drones would mark a significant advancement in integrating unmanned technology into core naval operations beyond surveillance and reconnaissance. Operationalizing REARM‑D will require improvements in drone endurance, payload capacity, and stabilization systems to handle the dynamic open-sea environment. Seamless integration with shipboard systems is also critical to ensure safe operation around radar masts, antennas, and other superstructures.
The initiative underscores India’s commitment to innovation in naval logistics and aligns with global trends where modern navies are exploring unmanned solutions for resupply and maintenance. Success with REARM‑D could set a precedent, positioning drones as a key component in sustaining missile-armed fleets during long missions.
The Indian Navy’s push for drone-based rearming reflects a strategic understanding that endurance and autonomy are as vital as firepower in contemporary maritime operations. By enabling warships to reload at sea without shore support, REARM‑D could significantly enhance India’s capability to project power and maintain readiness across the Indo-Pacific region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
Delhi remained one of the most polluted cities in the NCR during 2025–26, with an annual average PM10 level of 201 micrograms per cubic metre, despite a 17% decline from the 2017–18 baseline, according to a recent study. An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air found that Ghaziabad recorded the highest PM10 level in the country at 215 micrograms per cubic metre, followed by Delhi at 201 and Noida at 195.
The report highlighted that pollution in Delhi is still over three times higher than the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre, indicating ongoing air quality concerns. It also pointed out that pollution is a regional issue, with emissions from nearby NCR cities such as Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad contributing significantly.
79 cities showed improvement in PM10 levels compared to the baseline year, with 27 achieving reductions of more than 40%. However, pollution worsened in 14 cities and remained unchanged in three, while 89 out of 96 cities still exceeded national air quality limits. Gurugram was the most polluted city in the country, followed by Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Noida, reflecting continued concerns in the NCR region.
Although 220 out of 251 cities recorded PM2.5 levels below India’s daily standard, only three met the stricter WHO guidelines, suggesting that achieving clean air remains a significant challenge. Experts emphasized the need for stronger, region-wide action under the National Clean Air Programme to address pollution sources affecting Delhi and surrounding areas.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
Google is introducing new updates to its Gemini AI aimed at helping users access mental health support more quickly. The company says these changes will enable the system to recognize signs of emotional distress and direct users to trusted resources, such as crisis helplines. In addition, Google has announced new funding to strengthen mental health support services worldwide.
Gemini will now make it easier for users to find help during difficult moments. If a conversation indicates that someone may be struggling, the chatbot will display a “Help is available” message along with links to relevant support services. In more critical situations, including signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, Gemini will provide a one-tap option to contact crisis helplines. Users can call, text, or chat with support services directly, and this option will remain visible throughout the conversation for easy access.
Google’s philanthropic division, Google.org, has committed $30 million over the next three years to help crisis helplines expand their reach and improve response capabilities. The company is also strengthening its partnership with ReflexAI by providing $4 million in funding and integrating Gemini into its training tools. This effort will include technical support to enhance training systems used by organizations that handle sensitive conversations.
Google is refining how Gemini responds to mental health-related topics. The system is designed to guide users toward real-world assistance rather than acting as a substitute for professional care. It is also programmed to avoid promoting harmful actions or reinforcing misinformation, instead encouraging users to seek reliable information and professional support when needed.
The update includes additional safeguards specifically for younger users. These measures aim to ensure that responses remain appropriate and avoid harmful or sensitive content. Gemini is restricted from presenting itself as a human or forming companion-like interactions. It is also designed to prevent encouragement of bullying, harassment, or other harmful behavior. Google noted that these safety measures will continue to evolve as the system improves. Overall, the update reflects the company’s broader efforts in the mental health space, emphasizing that while AI can help improve access to support, it is not a replacement for professional care.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Google.
India’s central bank on Wednesday indicated the level of liquidity needed to keep overnight rates closely aligned with the key policy rate. It reiterated that the weighted average call rate (WACR) serves as its operating target and should remain as close as possible to the repo rate. According to the RBI’s monetary policy report, maintaining a liquidity surplus between 0.6 percent and 1.1 percent of deposits would likely keep the gap between the WACR and the policy rate within 5 to 10 basis points. The central bank noted that while liquidity and the spread move in opposite directions, the relationship is not linear.
The RBI left the repo rate and policy stance unchanged. Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized that the central bank will remain proactive and forward-looking in managing liquidity, ensuring adequate funds to support the economy’s productive needs. On the other hand, a liquidity deficit of 0.4 percent to 0.7 percent of deposits could push the WACR above the repo rate by 5 to 10 basis points. The RBI added that while excess liquidity beyond a certain point has limited additional impact on narrowing the spread, deficit conditions can cause the spread to widen sharply.
Liquidity in the banking system recently rose above 4 trillion rupees, its highest level in eight months, pulling the WACR below 5.10 percent this month—more than 15 basis points lower than the repo rate of 5.25 percent. The central bank also observed that the effect of surplus liquidity weakens after a threshold, as the yield curve flattens with further increases. The RBI noted that aligning the WACR with the repo rate requires different liquidity levels depending on whether the system is in surplus or deficit, and the degree of alignment depends on the magnitude of that surplus or shortfall.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, motorists are seen refueling their vehicles at gas stations amid ongoing supply shortages. Long lines have formed as demand outpaces the available fuel, highlighting the persistent challenges in distribution. Commuters and drivers face extended waiting times, while the authorities work to manage the crisis and restore normal fuel availability across the city.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
A new AI system developed by NTU can forecast the rate at which food spoils, enabling supermarkets to reduce waste, enhance safety, and manage inventory more efficiently. The technology works by predicting bacterial growth in food. Could this signal the future of food retail? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss with Natalie Ong, CNA journalist, and Professor William Chen, Executive Director of FRESH@NTU, to explore the possibilities.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
As thousands of U.S. troops and marines deploy to the Middle East, Iran accuses Washington of secretly planning a ground attack while publicly promoting ceasefire negotiations. Donald Trump has threatened to “destroy” Iran’s energy infrastructure, stated that he would “prefer to take the oil,” and suggested that U.S. forces could capture the country’s export hub on Kharg Island, all while claiming to be negotiating with a new “reasonable regime.” At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi forces have joined the conflict, raising the risk of further disruptions to the global economy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In 1998, tobacco companies in the United States were made responsible for the damage caused by the products they produced and sold through the Tobacco Settlement. Today, a similar question arises for Big Tech: it is not only about the content on their platforms but also whether these platforms were intentionally created to keep users addicted. Daniel Martin explores this issue with Rajesh Sreenivasan, Head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications at Rajah and Tann Singapore.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
On “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro chats with Regina Lee, a travel and home influencer, about her journey through northern Xinjiang. From the shimmering turquoise waters of Sayram Lake to the lush rolling landscapes of Nalati Grasslands and the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan mountains, Regina recounts the region’s beauty and charm. She guides listeners through glacier valleys, picturesque villages, vibrant lakes, and lively bazaars, while also sharing practical tips on how to fully experience this remarkable frontier of China.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
