Vayu Baan Context: The Indian Air Force has launched Vayu Baan, a trailblazing initiative to develop India’s first drone system deployable from helicopters. About Vayu Baan It is a compact, autonomous drone that can be released from a helicopter in flight. The name Vayu Baan means “Air Arrow” and forms part of an indigenous Air-Launched Effects (ALE) program, integrating unmanned aerial systems with manned helicopters. Objective To provide stand-off attack capabilities, enabling helicopters to detect and neutralize enemy targets from distances exceeding 50 km. Keeps helicopters out of the threat range of MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems), enhancing crew safety while maintaining operational effectiveness. Vayu Baan represents a significant step in integrating unmanned and manned aerial platforms, boosting India’s long-range precision strike and reconnaissance capabilities. Current Facts Election Commission of India The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office in like manner and on like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court. At the state level, the election work is supervised, subject to overall superintendence, direction and control of the Commission, by the Chief Electoral Officer of the State. At the district and constituency levels, the District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers and Returning Officers, who are assisted by a large number of functionaries, perform election work.
