• Source:JND

The first day of the new year is expected to bring new opportunities and hopes for people, along with a bright future for the nation. India ushered in the new year with some positive developments on the last day.

These development ranges from defence to common gig workers on the street. The achievements of DRDO and ISRO will shape our future, while higher commissions for gig workers will strengthen social security.

Simultaneous missile launch feat

India on Wednesday conducted two consecutive successful tests of the indigenously developed "Pralay" missile from Abdul Kalam Island in Chandipur, Odisha. In these tests, the DRDO fired two missiles back-to-back from a single mobile launcher. This technology is a game-changer in combat situations.

When two or more missiles are launched simultaneously toward the same target or different targets, it becomes difficult for the enemy's air defense system to intercept them simultaneously. If the enemy attempts to intercept one missile, the other will hit the target successfully.

This "double attack" Pralay missile has the capability to destroy enemy bunkers, airbases, and strategic targets in the blink of an eye. Based on entirely indigenous technology, the Pralay missile is a prime example of India's self-reliance. Its key features place it among the world's most powerful missiles. The Pralay missile was developed by DRDO's Hyderabad-based laboratory.

Pralay is a quasi-ballistic missile, capable of evading enemy radar by altering its trajectory during flight. It can also deflect at the last moment and destroy the enemy. Due to its unique technology and capabilities, it is extremely difficult to intercept or shoot down mid-air.

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During the test, both missiles hit their targets with pinpoint accuracy and met all mission objectives with 100% success. This successful test demonstrates the reliability and rapid response capability of the Pralay missile system.

ISRO successfully conducts ground test of SSLV third stage

ISRO has achieved a major milestone just before the end of 2025. It has successfully conducted a ground test of an advanced version of the third stage of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

The test was conducted on Tuesday at the Solid Motor Static Test Facility of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Developed by ISRO, the SSLV is a three-stage, all-solid launch vehicle designed for industrial production.

According to ISRO, the solid motor of the upper stage or third stage provides the launch vehicle with a speed of up to four km per second and uses a monolithic composite motor case and a free-standing nozzle divergent to limit dead mass. The static test validated the advanced version of the third stage (SS3 ) of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, which has a carbon-epoxy motor case.

This significantly reduces the mass of this stage and consequently increases the payload capability of the SSLV by 90 kg. This stage also uses advanced designs for the igniter and nozzle systems, making the system more efficient and robust, ISRO explained.

Vande Bharat clocks 180 kmph

Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone towards self-reliant rail technology with the successful completion of the final stage high-speed trials of the indigenously designed 'Vande Bharat Sleeper Train'.

The trial, conducted under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), took place on the Kota-Nagda section, where the train achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph, ministry officials said on Wednesday. The launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper train has missed its scheduled deadline several times in the past.

Gig workers will now get more commission

Food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato have announced higher commissions for their delivery workers during peak season and the end of the year. The incentives come after delivery worker unions called for strikes on December 25 and 31 to protest wages, working conditions, and a lack of social security.

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Zomato is offering delivery partners a pay of Rs 120- Rs 150 per order during peak hours between 6 PM and 12 AM. The company also promises earnings of up to Rs 3,000 per day, depending on the number of orders and availability.

Swiggy, on the other hand, is offering delivery workers up to Rs 10,000 in earnings between December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, including up to Rs 2,000 in peak-hour payments between 6 pm and 12 am on New Year's Eve. Another company, Zepto, has also increased incentives for delivery partners.


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