State PCS - Karnataka (KPSC)

• 23 Feb 2026

India’s First Private Helicopter Assembly Line Inaugurated in Karnataka

Why in News?

India’s first private sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) was inaugurated at Vemagal in Kolar district, Karnataka In February 2026.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the facility virtually, highlighting deepening India-France industrial cooperation.

Key Points:

• First-of-Its-Kind: The Vemagal FAL is the first helicopter assembly line in India set up by the private sector, strengthening the country’s manufacturing base in advanced aerospace technologies and reducing dependence on imports. 
  • The line will assemble the Airbus H125, a widely used single-engine civil helicopter known for its reliability and versatility. 
  • There are plans to also manufacture the military variant H125M, suitable for high-altitude and multi-role operations. 
• Strategic Partnership: The collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus underscores India–France strategic cooperation in defence and aerospace sectors.
  • The project aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, promoting domestic industrial growth, technology transfers, and private sector participation in defence manufacturing.
• Production & Exports: The first Made-in-India H125 helicopter is expected to be delivered in early 2027.
  • Plans to scale up production to around 10 helicopters annually by 2029.
• Impact: The project involves an estimated investment of around ₹1,000 crore, creating direct and indirect employment opportunities and enhancing the skilled workforce in the aerospace sector.
• Applications: The H125 and H125M helicopters have a wide range of uses including civil operations, emergency medical services, disaster response, regional connectivity, and defence roles, particularly in challenging terrains such as the Himalayas. 

Read More: Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, India-France Relation

NEST Sanctioned to Boost Innovation in North East

Why in News?

The Government of India has sanctioned a project to establish the North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster (NEST) aimed at boosting research, innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship across the North Eastern Region (NER).

Key Points:

• Project Approval: The NEST project was sanctioned in July 2025 under the Schemes of the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the Ministry of Development of North-East Region with an outlay of approximately ₹22.98 crore to strengthen science and technology infrastructure in the NER.
• Implementing Agency: The project will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati.
• Four Thematic Verticals: NEST will operate through four key focus areas:
  • Innovation Hub on Grassroots Technologies – to promote tech solutions for local challenges.
  • Technology Hub for Semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence – aligning with future technology trends.
  • Centre of Excellence for Bamboo-Based Technology – leveraging regional strengths for product and process innovation.
  • Skill Development & Innovation Centre for Biodegradable and Eco-friendly Plastics – encouraging sustainable technology and entrepreneurship.
• Objectives: The NEST Cluster aims to empower youth in the NER—especially SC/ST, women, and Divyangjan—towards self-employment and entrepreneurship, while strengthening MSMEs through capacity building, research interventions, and commercialization of products.
  • It will adopt a hub-and-spoke approach connecting academia, research institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to promote R&D interventions, innovation ecosystems, and skill development at the grassroots level.
• Significance: The sanctioning of the North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster (NEST) represents a strategic initiative by the Government of India to harness science, technology, and innovation for inclusive development, employment generation, and entrepreneurial growth in the North Eastern Region, aligning with broader goals of regional empowerment and technology-driven economic transformation.

Read More: North Eastern Region (NER), North Eastern Council (NEC), Semiconductors , Artificial Intelligence, MSMEs

Thanya Nathan to Become Kerala’s First Blind Woman Judge

Why in News?

Thanya Nathan is set to make history by becoming Kerala’s first visually challenged (completely blind) woman judge.

Key Points:

• Historic Achievement: Thanya Nathan will be the first fully blind woman to be appointed as a judge in Kerala’s judiciary.
• Success: She secured the top rank among persons with benchmark disabilities in the competitive Civil Judges (Junior Division) exam conducted for entry into the Kerala Judicial Service.
  • She pursued law despite visual impairment and completed her legal education with the assistance of accessible learning tools and digital support systems.
• Judicial Inclusivity: Her achievement follows a landmark 2025 Supreme Court ruling affirming that visually impaired candidates cannot be excluded from eligibility for judicial service.
  • Her appointment reflects the principles of equality and non-discrimination under Articles 14, 16, and 21 of the Indian Constitution, ensuring equal opportunity in public employment.
• Significance: Thanya’s success not only inspires persons with disabilities but also contributes to ongoing efforts to make India’s legal profession more accessible and inclusive for all.

Read More: Supreme Court,  Indian Constitution, Persons with disabilities