PYQ Relevance
[UPSC GS II] The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole. Comment.
Linkage: The question calls for examining India–Japan relations as a global and strategic partnership. The current visit, with Japan’s ¥10 trillion investment, defence cooperation, and Indo-Pacific focus, shows this vision materialising. It highlights how the partnership now goes beyond economics to shape Asian stability and world geopolitics. |
Mentor’s Comment
PM Modi’s Japan visit signals India’s strategic clarity amid global flux. Japan’s unprecedented investment pledge, technology transfer, and defence cooperation position it as India’s most reliable Indo-Pacific partner when U.S. unpredictability and China’s mistrust loom large.
Introduction
India–Japan ties are deepening at a crucial juncture. With a ¥10 trillion ($68 billion) Japanese investment plan and renewed security cooperation, the partnership goes beyond economics. It reflects India’s balancing act between Tokyo, Beijing, and Washington, showcasing strategic autonomy in an uncertain world.
Why is this visit significant?
- Historic Japanese pledge: A ¥10 trillion ($68 billion) investment plan, among Tokyo’s most ambitious commitments to New Delhi.
- Technology transfer: Includes next-generation E10 series Shinkansen for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail, reflecting economic plus technological collaboration.
- Timing amid flux: Visit comes just before Modi’s participation in the SCO Summit in China, showcasing strategic balancing.
- U.S. uncertainty: With Trump’s erratic second term, the visit highlights India’s recalibration of partnerships, reinforcing Japan as a dependable anchor.
Japan’s Investment and Economic Partnership
- Massive infrastructure push: ¥10 trillion investment spread across infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, and technology.
- High-speed rail corridor: Japan’s E10 Shinkansen trains for Mumbai–Ahmedabad project symbolise trust and long-term collaboration.
- Supply chain resilience: Economic Security Initiative expands cooperation on semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy.
- Digital partnership: Upgradation to cover artificial intelligence and startup ecosystems, placing India-Japan ties at the cutting edge of innovation.
Strategic and Defence Cooperation
- Security framework revision: 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to be updated in line with today’s realities.
- Indo-Pacific commitment: Reinforces shared vision of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
- Maritime security and resilience: Japan remains central to India’s Indo-Pacific strategy amid an uncertain Quad trajectory.
The China Factor and Strategic Balancing
- Dual engagement: Modi’s Tokyo visit followed by Beijing trip reflects India’s ability to compartmentalise relations.
- Confidence-building with China: Resumption of flights, visa relaxations, and trade measures post-Galwan.
- Message of balance: India signals that deepening ties with Japan need not preclude dialogue with China.
The U.S. Factor and Quad Challenges
- Unpredictability under Trump 2.0: Threatens to erode years of steady New Delhi–Washington cooperation.
- Quad dilution: U.S. disengagement risks weakening the grouping’s strategic coherence.
- India-Japan partnership: Emerges as ballast to sustain Indo-Pacific momentum even when U.S. commitment wavers.
Broader Political and Diplomatic Significance
- Beyond economics: Japan’s engagement shows that consistent, long-term cooperation delivers real outcomes.
- Diplomatic flexibility: India demonstrates ability to pursue multiple alignments without losing clarity.
- Anchor role of Japan: Unlike Washington’s inconsistency or Beijing’s mistrust, Tokyo provides stability, resources, and shared values.
Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s Japan visit reflects one of the enduring features of Indian diplomacy, flexibility with clarity. By securing massive investment, strengthening defence ties, and reinforcing Indo-Pacific strategies, India positions Japan as its anchor partner in uncertain times. The visit sends a broader signal: India is capable of balancing great power politics while advancing its economic and strategic priorities. For UPSC, it is a live example of strategic autonomy in action.
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Introduction
The intertwining of crime and politics is not new in India, but the recent figures are deeply concerning. An analysis of elected representatives reveals that 31% of MPs and 29% of MLAs across India have declared serious criminal charges against them. More strikingly, in the Lok Sabha, this share has more than doubled from 14% in 2009 to 31% in 2024. Such data points underscore a disturbing trend where democratic institutions are increasingly being captured by individuals with questionable integrity.
The Scale of Criminalisation in Indian Politics
- MPs with serious charges: 31% in 2024, compared to 14% in 2009.
- MLAs with serious charges: 29% nationwide, amounting to more than 1,200 legislators.
- Definition of serious crimes: Offences with punishments of 5+ years, or non-bailable in nature.
State-wise Picture of the Crisis
- Telangana: Highest share of MPs with serious cases (71%).
- Bihar: Second-highest share of MPs (48%).
- Uttar Pradesh: Highest absolute number of MPs (34) and MLAs (154 or 38%).
- Andhra Pradesh: Highest share of MLAs with serious cases (56%), followed by Telangana (50%).
Political Party-Wise Trends
- BJP: Largest absolute number—63 MPs (26%) and 436 MLAs (26%).
- Congress: 32 MPs (32%) and 194 MLAs (30%).
- RJD: 100% of its 4 MPs, and 62% of MLAs face serious cases.
- TDP: 61% of MLAs facing serious charges.
Criminalisation of politics as a Democratic Crisis
- Undermines Rule of Law: Representatives sworn to make laws are themselves accused of violating them.
- Erodes Public Trust: Citizens lose faith in democratic institutions.
- Policy Capture Risk: Legislators with criminal backgrounds may promote laws benefiting vested interests.
- Vicious Cycle: Money, muscle power, and electoral compulsions perpetuate the entry of tainted candidates.
Constitutional and Legal Context
- Representation of People’s Act, 1951: Currently disqualifies convicted representatives but not those with pending cases.
Judicial Interventions:
- Lily Thomas vs Union of India (2013): Immediate disqualification upon conviction.
- Public Interest Foundation vs Union of India (2018): Urged political parties to disclose candidate criminal records widely.
Conclusion
The latest data underscores that criminalisation in politics is not just persisting but worsening, with more than one in four lawmakers facing serious charges. Unless systemic reforms, ranging from fast-track courts to stricter disqualification laws, are implemented, India risks democratic backsliding. For a healthy democracy, the moral legitimacy of legislatures must be restored.
Value Addition
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Issues with Criminalisation in Politics
- Erosion of Democratic Legitimacy: Lawmakers accused of breaking the law undermine the moral authority of Parliament/Assemblies.
- Weakening of Rule of Law: Offenders often manipulate investigations, delay trials, and escape accountability.
- Policy Capture & Corruption: Legislators may pass laws or influence contracts to protect vested interests.
- Distortion of Electoral Choices: Voters are forced to choose between tainted candidates, limiting free and fair choice.
- Loss of Public Trust: Citizens lose faith in governance when crime and politics merge.
- Security Threats: Nexus of politics and crime leads to rise in muscle power, intimidation, and weakens internal security.
Why do Parties Field Candidates With Criminal Background?
- Money Power: Candidates with criminal networks bring enormous funds to finance expensive elections.
- Muscle Power: They help in mobilising voters, intimidating opponents, and managing booths in certain constituencies.
- Winnability Factor: Studies show voters often overlook criminal charges if the candidate is influential, caste-backed, or delivers local patronage.
- Weak Legal Framework: Only convicted representatives are barred; those with pending cases can contest. With trials dragging on for years, many continue to fight elections.
- Vote-Bank Politics: Parties use “strongmen” with community backing to secure caste/religion-based votes.
Way Forward with Committee Reports, Judgments & Reforms
Committee Recommendations
- Vohra Committee (1993): Flagged deep nexus between crime, politics, and bureaucracy.
- Law Commission 170th Report (1999): Recommended disqualification of candidates once charges are framed in heinous offences.
- Law Commission 244th Report (2014): Suggested immediate disqualification in cases with charges punishable by 5 years or more, and where charges are framed by a court.
- Election Commission of India (ECI) Recommendations: Ban on candidates facing heinous charges; fast-track courts to decide political cases within a year.
Judicial Interventions
- Lily Thomas vs Union of India (2013): MPs/MLAs disqualified immediately upon conviction (earlier they could continue for 3 months pending appeal).
- Public Interest Foundation vs Union of India (2018): Directed political parties to publicise candidate criminal records widely (website, media, papers).
Suggested Reforms
- Fast-track Courts: To ensure cases against politicians are resolved within strict timelines.
- Stricter Disqualification Norms: Disqualify candidates at the stage of framing of charges (with safeguards against false cases).
- Political Party Accountability: Legal provisions to penalise parties giving tickets to tainted candidates.
- State Funding of Elections: Reduce dependence on money/muscle power.
- Voter Awareness: Encourage citizens to reject candidates with serious charges through awareness campaigns.
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PYQ Relevance
[UPSC GS II] There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act.” Comment
Linkage: The issue of disqualification under the Representation of People’s Act (RPA), 1951 is central to tackling criminalisation of politics. Recent data showing over 30% MPs/MLAs facing serious criminal charges highlights the inadequacy of current provisions that act only after conviction. Simplifying and strengthening disqualification procedures, as urged by committees and the Supreme Court, is vital to restore public trust in democracy.
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Introduction
The framers of the Indian Constitution rejected the British model of absolute parliamentary sovereignty and instead vested sovereignty in the Constitution. Parliament was given the power to make laws, but within constitutional limits. Judicial review was meant to be a sparing power, used exceptionally when laws violated constitutional principles. However, what was once exceptional has increasingly become the norm. With vague drafting, bypassing of procedures, and lack of constitutional guidance, Indian law-making has frequently ended up in litigation. This trend not only undermines democratic trust but also burdens the judiciary and disrupts policy implementation.
Why is this issue in the news?
The controversy around the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which was challenged in the Supreme Court within days of its enactment, highlights a disturbing pattern. Shockingly, the challengers included MPs themselves, indicating a lack of confidence in their own law-making. The Law Ministry has admitted that 35 central legislations and constitutional amendments were under challenge before the Supreme Court between 2016 and 2022. This points to a systemic crisis in legislative drafting and scrutiny.
The constitutional design of law-making
- No absolute sovereignty: Unlike Britain, Parliament in India operates within constitutional limits; no law can derogate from the Constitution.
- Judicial review as exception: The power to strike down laws was meant to be sparing, not routine.
- Current practice: Courts are increasingly forced into the role of a “parallel legislator” due to Parliament’s failures in precision and scrutiny.
Why do laws end up in litigation
- Constitutional scrutiny: Laws may violate constitutional guarantees or principles (e.g., Transgender Persons Act, 2019 vis-à-vis Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita).
- Political theatre: Legal challenges are sometimes used as political tactics by opposition parties or even MPs.
- Flawed drafting: Vague definitions, incoherent clauses, poor harmonisation with existing laws, and internal contradictions.
Where does the system break down
- Bypassing procedure: Bills introduced without notice; committees sidelined.
- Rushed debates: Clause-by-clause discussion often ignored.
- Poor consultation: Stakeholders and experts not adequately consulted.
- Dense legalese: MPs unable to engage with overly technical drafting, reducing their role to party-line voting.
The human cost of poor drafting
- Economic loss: Unclear or contradictory laws disrupt industries and businesses.
- Social injustice: Unequal punishments (e.g., transgender vs. women sexual abuse provisions).
- Democratic deficit: MPs are unable to represent citizens effectively when legislation is incomprehensible.
The case for a stronger Attorney-General (AG) role
- Article 88 of the Constitution: AG has the right to participate in Parliament’s proceedings but rarely invoked.
- Preventive review: AG can identify constitutional infirmities during debate itself.
- Non-partisan guidance: AG’s counsel would enable lawmakers to vote more responsibly.
- Better statutes: Well-drafted laws prevent substitution of legislative intent by judicial interpretation.
Conclusion
India’s constitutional democracy rests on the balance of powers between Parliament and the judiciary. When Parliament abdicates its responsibility of precise and constitutional law-making, the courts inevitably step in, eroding this balance. Institutionalising preventive constitutional review within Parliament, particularly through a proactive role for the Attorney-General, can ensure that legislation serves people effectively without routinely ending up in litigation. A robust democracy demands laws that are clear, just, and constitutionally sound before they leave the House.
Value Addition
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What procedural lapses in Parliament lead to flawed laws?
- Bypassing Committees: Less than 25% of Bills (2019–2023) were sent to Parliamentary Standing Committees, compared to 60–70% in earlier decades. This reduces scrutiny and expert input.
- Rushed Legislation: Important laws such as the Farm Acts (2020) and the Aadhaar Bill (2016) were passed as Money Bills to bypass Rajya Sabha, undermining debate.
- Poor Stakeholder Consultation: Unlike developed democracies, draft bills in India are rarely put out for public comments. (E.g., Data Protection Bill, 2019, was tabled without thorough consultation)
- Clause-by-Clause Neglect: Debates are cut short; MPs often do not engage with technical legal provisions due to lack of time and expertise.
- Opaque Drafting Process: Drafting happens primarily within ministries with little parliamentary/legal vetting before introduction.
- ARC 2nd Report (Ethics in Governance): Calls for greater pre-legislative scrutiny and institutional strengthening of committees.
How does flawed drafting affect democracy and society?
- Judicial Overreach: Poorly worded statutes lead to constant constitutional challenges (e.g., NJAC Act struck down in 2015, Transgender Rights Act 2019 contradictions). The Judiciary ends up legislating by interpretation.
- Erosion of Parliamentary Sovereignty: Frequent judicial invalidation makes Parliament look ineffective, undermining public trust.
- Democratic Deficit: Laws in dense legalese alienate both MPs and citizens, reducing informed participation.
- Economic Uncertainty: Unclear laws discourage investment (e.g., retrospective taxation case leading to Vodafone arbitration).
- Social Injustice: Disparities in sentencing/punishment (e.g., lower penalties for abuse of transgender persons than for women) perpetuate inequality.
- Law Commission Report (2008, 210th Report): Identified vague language and excessive delegation as reasons why laws face repeated judicial strikes.
Comparative Perspective
- UK: Parliamentary sovereignty model; no judicial review of primary legislation, but House of Lords Committees scrutinise bills heavily pre-enactment.
- USA: Strong judicial review, but bills are subject to Congressional hearings and exhaustive committee scrutiny with expert testimonies before passage.
- Germany: Has a robust Bundesrat (Upper House) system where laws undergo constitutional and legal vetting before final passage.
- India: Hybrid system; has judicial review, but Parliamentary scrutiny is weak. Unlike the US/UK, pre-legislative consultation is not institutionalised.
Way Forward
- Mandatory Committee Review: Make it compulsory for all non-Money Bills to be referred to standing/select committees.
- Pre-legislative Consultation Policy (2014): Institutionalise it across all ministries with draft bills published in public domain.
- Strengthening Legislative Research Services: Provide MPs with non-partisan legal/technical assistance (as in US Congressional Research Service).
- Empowering the Attorney-General: Invoke Article 88 to ensure AG flags constitutional issues during debates.
- Clarity & Accessibility: Draft laws in plain language versions for MPs and citizens, alongside legal text.
- Judicial-Parliamentary Dialogue: Structured interactions between constitutional benches and parliamentary committees to ensure harmony.
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PYQ Relevance
[UPSC GS II] Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss.
Linkage: The decline in the individual role of MPs as lawmakers, noted in the PYQ (2019), directly links to the article’s theme of flawed law-making. Dense legalese, party whip culture, and bypassed scrutiny reduce MPs’ capacity for meaningful debate. This weakens legislative quality and pushes more laws into judicial review.
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Why in the News?
The Delhi Assembly has hosted a two-day All India Speakers’ Conference to mark 100 years since Vithalbhai Patel became the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly, the precursor to today’s Parliament.
Who was Vithalbhai Patel?
- Early Life: Vithalbhai Jhaverbhai Patel (1873–1933), Elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; trained lawyer (studied law in England, practiced in Bombay).
- Political career:
- Member, Bombay Legislative Council (1912).
- Member, Imperial Legislative Council (1918).
- Elected to Central Legislative Assembly in 1924 from Bombay city.
- First Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly (1925), equivalent to today’s Lok Sabha Speaker under British rule.
His Political Legacy:
- Associated with Swaraj Party (1923): Co-founded by him, Motilal Nehru, Chittaranjan Das, Subhas Chandra Bose, opposing Gandhi’s suspension of Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Strengthening Speaker’s Authority: Asserted that the Assembly President (Speaker) was paramount, even over the Viceroy inside the House.
- Parliamentary Security: Insisted on keeping Assembly security under Speaker’s control, even after Bhagat Singh’s 1929 bomb incident. This autonomy lasted until 2024 when CISF took over.
- Independent Parliament Secretariat: Established a staff system reporting only to the Speaker, ensuring independence from executive interference.
- Institution Builder: Motilal Nehru and Lala Lajpat Rai supported his push, leading to creation of a separate Legislative Assembly Department in 1929.
- Freedom Struggle Role: Critic of Gandhian withdrawal strategy; collaborated with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose abroad to internationalize India’s cause.
- Controversial Will: Left part of his wealth to support Bose’s political work, later overturned in court after family challenge.
| [UPSC 2016] For the Karachi session of Indian National Congress in 1931 presided over by Sardar Patel. Who drafted the Resolution Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme?
Options: (a) Mahatma Gandhi (b) Pt Jawaharlal Nehru* (c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (d) Dr. BR Ambedkar |
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Why in the News?
The mineral-rich Donbas region remains central to future of Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
About Donbas Region:
- Constituent Areas: Includes Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in eastern Ukraine.
- Geographical Position: Bordered by the Sea of Azov in the south, which connects to the Black Sea via the Strait of Kerch.
- Industrial Hub: Known as Ukraine’s industrial heartland due to large mineral and energy resources.
- Coal Reserves: Ukraine possesses ~32 gigatonnes of hard coal, most concentrated in Donbas (IEA estimate).
- Shale Gas Potential: Yuzivska shale gas field (Donetsk–Kharkiv) holds 1.2–2 trillion cubic metres of gas in place, one of Europe’s largest untapped reserves.
- Salt Production: Home to Artemsil, once among Europe’s largest salt mines, producing ~2 million tonnes annually until closed in 2022 due to conflict.
Strategic Significance of the Region:
- For Russia:
- Resources: Rich in coal, shale gas, salt, and coal bed methane, enhancing its resource security.
- Geography: Provides land link to Crimea and direct access to the Sea of Azov.
- Demographics: Large Russian-speaking population offers political and cultural leverage.
- For Ukraine:
- Economy: Core to industrial base, especially steel production.
- Energy Security: Control of Yuzivska shale gas could reduce reliance on imports.
- Sovereignty: Represents a vital part of national unity and territorial integrity.
- Geopolitical Dimension: Sea of Azov crucial for connecting Donbas resources to Black Sea trade routes.
- Conflict Relevance: Since Crimea’s annexation (2014) and escalation in 2022, control of Azov and Kerch Strait vital for Russia’s naval dominance.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs: Area of conflict mentioned in news : Country where it is located
1. North Kivu and Ituri : War between Armenia and Azerbaijan
2. Nagorno-Karabakh : Insurgency in Mozambique
3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia : Dispute between Israel and Lebanon
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None* |
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Why in the News?
The 14th Maitree Exercise between Indian and Thai Army will be held in Umroi, Meghalaya returning to India after five years.
About Exercise Maitree:
- Overview: A bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army.
- Started: 2006, as a collaborative initiative to deepen defense ties.
- Frequency: Held annually, alternating between India and Thailand.
- Participants: Company-level contingents (approx. 70–80 soldiers each); Indian units have included Ladakh Scouts, while Thai units have included Infantry Regiments.
- Objective: To build interoperability, mutual trust, and cooperation in counter-terrorism, insurgency management, and peacekeeping operations.
Key Features:
- Counter-Terrorism Focus: Joint training for counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations, especially in semi-urban and jungle terrain.
- UN Mandate Training: Exercises designed to simulate peacekeeping operations under UN Charter VII.
- Humanitarian Drills: Includes disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and urban evacuation operations.
- Strategic Relevance:
- Strengthens India–Thailand defense cooperation under the 2012 MoU.
- Supports India’s Act East Policy and shared maritime/strategic interests in the Bay of Bengal–Andaman Sea region.
- Enhances interoperability for multinational operations and regional stability.
| [UPSC 2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?
1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4* |
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Why in the News?
- The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to further the government’s agenda of decriminalisation and rationalisation of laws.
- This is the second Jan Vishwas Bill; the first (2023) decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Acts.
About the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0:
- Introduced in Lok Sabha (August 2025) as the second Jan Vishwas reform.
- Seeks to amend 16 Central Acts across 10 ministries/departments.
- Builds on the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Acts.
- Aims to promote trust-based governance, ease of living, and ease of doing business.
- Currently referred to a Lok Sabha Select Committee for examination.
Key Features of the Bill:
- Scope: Proposes amendments to 355 provisions:
- 288 decriminalised (technical/procedural defaults).
- 67 rationalised (ease of living).
- Acts covered: RBI Act (1934), Drugs & Cosmetics Act (1940), Motor Vehicles Act (1988), Electricity Act (2003), Legal Metrology Act (2009), MSME Development Act (2006), Apprentice Act (1961), and others.
- First-time Offences: Introduces “warning” and “improvement notice” in 76 offences (e.g., non-standard weights, MVA violations).
- Decriminalisation: Removes imprisonment clauses for minor defaults, replacing them with fines or warnings.
- Example: Electricity Act → imprisonment replaced with fines between ₹10,000 and ₹10 lakh.
- Penalty Rationalisation: Automatic 10% increase in penalties every 3 years for repeat offences.
- Objective: Ensure deterrence without overburdening courts and without repeated legislative amendments.
Why was the Bill brought in?
- Over-criminalisation in Indian laws:
- 882 central laws; 370 contain criminal provisions for 7,305 offences (Vidhi Centre).
- Many are trivial or outdated (e.g., penalties for routine acts like exercising pets incorrectly).
- Business barriers:
- ORF (2022) → Over 50% of 1,536 business laws carry jail terms; 37.8% of 69,233 compliances carry imprisonment clauses.
- Creates fear among entrepreneurs, stifling growth.
- Judicial pendency:
- 3.6 crore criminal cases pending in district courts (Aug 2025).
- 2.3 crore are over 1 year old.
- Minor offences clog the system, delaying trials of serious crimes.
- Governance reform agenda:
- Aligns with PM Modi’s commitment to remove “unnecessary laws” (reiterated in Independence Day 2025 speech).
- Supports ease of living and ease of doing business as core NDA governance planks.
| [UPSC 2012] What is/are the recent policy initiative(s)of Government of India to promote the growth of the manufacturing sector?
1. Setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones
2. Providing the benefit of ‘single window clearance’
3. Establishing the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
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Why in the News?
The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, Nilgiri-class frigates built under Project 17A, at Visakhapatnam.
About INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri:
| Feature |
INS Udaygiri |
INS Himgiri |
| Builder |
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai |
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata |
| Series / Class |
2nd ship of Project 17A;
100th vessel designed by Navy’s Warship Design Bureau |
1st Project 17A frigate from GRSE |
| Naming |
After Udaygiri mountain range (AP); earlier ship (1976–2007) |
Legacy of original INS Himgiri (1974–2005) |
| Displacement / Size |
~6,700 tonnes |
~6,670 tonnes; Length: 149 m |
| Propulsion |
CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) |
CODOG; speeds 28+ knots |
| Stealth Features |
Reduced radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures |
Enhanced radar & IR signature reduction |
| Armament |
BrahMos, Barak-8 SAMs, 76 mm gun, CIWS, advanced ASW weapons |
BrahMos, Barak-8, CIWS, ASW rocket launchers, torpedo tubes, EW systems |
| Aviation Facilities |
– |
Flight deck + hangar for MH-60 Romeo, ALH Dhruv Mk-III, Sea King helicopters |
| Indigenous Content |
~75% (local sensors, systems, IPMS) |
~75% |
| [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier |
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