For the first time, a defence scientist, Y Sreenivasa Rao, led the DRDO contingent ‘Mission Shakti’ at the 71st Republic Day parade. The contingent displayed the indigenous Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASAT). India became only the fourth nation after the US, Russia and China to have the capability. Rao has been associated with the Air Defence project of the DRDO for long. He is also the Secretary, Aeronautical Society of India, Hyderabad.