Union Ministry of Science & Technology has launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant, named “Sṛjanam,” at AIIMS, New Delhi.
About Sṛjanam
Sṛjanam is India’s first indigenouslydevelopedAutomated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, designed by CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram.
It provides a sustainable, non-incineration-based solution for biomedical waste disposal, aligning with India’s Waste to Wealth vision.
Key Features:
Eco-Friendly & Non-Incineration-Based: Eliminates the need for incineration, reducing toxic emissions.
High-Efficiency Pathogen Elimination: Disinfects blood, urine, sputum, and lab disposables, with third-party validated antimicrobial action.
Safe & Fully Automated: Minimizes human exposure, reducing the risk of infections and spills.
Capacity & Scalability: Processes 400 kg of biomedical waste daily, with 10 kg/day degradable waste capacity in phase one.
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid Space Telescope has captured a rare Einstein Ring around a galaxy nearly 590 million light-years away from Earth.
What is an Einstein Ring?
An Einstein Ring is a circular ring of light caused by gravitational lensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.
It occurs when a massive celestial object (like a galaxy) bends and magnifies light from a more distant background galaxy that lies directly behind it.
The recent discovery by ESA’s Euclid telescope identified an Einstein Ring around NGC 6505, located 590 million light-years away, acting as a lens for a distant galaxy 4.42 billion light-years away.
Features of an Einstein Ring:
Perfect circular shape (only if source, lens, and observer align precisely).
Example of strong gravitational lensing, distorting background light.
Extremely rare (found in less than 1% of galaxies).
Not visible to the naked eye, observed only with advanced space telescopes like Euclid or Hubble.
Significance of the Discovery:
Reveals Dark Matter: Helps indirectly map dark matter, which makes up 85% of the universe.
Magnifies Hidden Galaxies: Makes faint, distant galaxies visible for study.
Measures Universe’s Expansion: Tracks how light stretches over time, refining cosmological models.
Finance Minister while presenting the Union Budget announced the launch of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY).
About thePrime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY):
The PMDKY aims to enhance agricultural productivity, crop diversification, storage infrastructure, irrigation, and credit access.
Inspired by the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), it will focus on 100 underperforming agricultural districts in partnership with state governments.
Key Features
Identifies 100 districts with low productivity, moderate cropping intensity, and below-average credit access.
Develops panchayat/block-level storage and expands irrigation coverage.
Ensures affordable short-term & long-term loans for farmers.
Uses data-driven governance & district rankings.
Structural Mandate:
Implementation: Jointly executed by Central & State Governments.
Funding: Drawn from existing schemes under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Evaluation: Assessed based on yield improvements, credit flow, and irrigation expansion.
PYQ:
[2015] ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana’ has been launched for:
(a) providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates
(b) promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas
(c) promoting financial inclusion in the country
(d) providing financial help to the marginalized communities
Q) Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Public health system (2015), and the Health for All’ in India (2018).
Medical education is changing in unusual ways. There is a shortage of doctors, yet governments and medical professionals limit access to medical studies. As a result, more students from different countries travel abroad to study medicine. In the past, medical education was international, but now each country controls it while it still becomes more global. This trend is important because of healthcare needs. The exact number of students studying medicine abroad is unknown, but it is estimated to be over 200,000, often in low-quality institutions. Before the Russian invasion, Ukraine had 24,000 foreign medical students, mostly from India.
Today’s editorial talks about issues in the Medical sector. This content would help in GS Papers 1, 2 and 3 to substantiate your answer.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Studying medicine abroad is common, but it is largely unnoticed and lacks proper regulation.
How does the globalization of medical education impact the quality and accessibility of healthcare?
Increased Access to Medical Education but Quality Concerns Persist: India has only 1 medical seat for every 22 applicants, with 2.3 million students appearing for NEET annually.
As a result, over 20,000 Indian students go abroad for medical studies each year. While foreign education provides an alternative, some countries have lax regulatory frameworks, leading to concerns over clinical training standards.
Low Licensing Exam Pass Rates for Foreign Medical Graduates: India’s Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) pass rate has historically been below 20%.
In 2022, only 10,500 out of 41,349 candidates (25.4%) cleared the exam. Many foreign-trained doctors struggle to meet national standards, delaying their entry into the healthcare system.
Disproportionate Dependence on Foreign-trained Doctors in Some Countries: In the US, 25% of physicians are international medical graduates (IMGs), while in the UK, 37% of doctors in the NHS come from abroad.
While globalization helps address doctor shortages in developed countries, it exacerbates the “brain drain” in source countries like India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
Growth of For-profit Medical Schools with Limited Oversight: The Caribbean region alone has over 50 private medical schools, many catering exclusively to international students from the US and Canada.
These institutions charge high tuition fees but often lack sufficient clinical training infrastructure, raising concerns about graduate competence.
Shortage of Trained Doctors in Source Countries: The WHO estimates a global shortfall of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, with Africa facing a deficit of 6 million doctors and nurses.
Many doctors trained abroad do not return home, worsening healthcare shortages in low-income countries while benefiting high-income nations.
What are the consequences of medical degrees that are obtained abroad, especially from countries with lower academic standards?
High Failure Rates in Licensing Exams: Foreign-trained doctors often struggle to meet national medical standards, leading to low pass rates in licensing exams.
Example: In India, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) pass rate has historically been below 20%. In 2022, only 10,500 out of 41,349 candidates (25.4%) cleared the exam, delaying their entry into the healthcare system.
Limited Clinical Exposure and Skill Gaps: Some foreign medical colleges lack proper clinical training, affecting students’ hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients.
Example: Several Caribbean medical schools, catering to US and Canadian students, have faced criticism for their limited hospital affiliations, forcing students to complete clinical rotations in different countries.
Difficulty in Securing Residency and Employment: Graduates from lesser-known foreign institutions often struggle to secure postgraduate training and jobs in competitive healthcare markets.
Example: In the United States, international medical graduates (IMGs) face higher rejection rates for medical residencies, with only about 60% of non-US IMGs matching into residency programs in 2023, compared to 93% of US medical graduates.
Is the global mobility of medical education sustainable, and how does it affect local health systems?
Brain Drain Weakens Healthcare in Source Countries: Many doctors trained abroad do not return, leading to a shortage of medical professionals in their home countries.
Example:Nigeria loses over 2,000 doctors annually to migration, worsening its doctor-to-patient ratio, which stands at 1:5,000, far below the WHO-recommended 1:1,000.
Unequal Distribution of Healthcare Professionals: High-income countries attract foreign-trained doctors, leaving rural and underserved regions in low- and middle-income nations critically short-staffed.
Example: In India, only 20% of doctors serve in rural areas, even though 65% of the population resides there, leading to severe healthcare disparities.
Reliance on Foreign-trained Doctors in Host Countries: Developed nations depend on foreign medical graduates to fill workforce gaps, making their healthcare systems vulnerable to changing immigration policies.
Example: The UK’s NHS workforce includes 37% foreign-trained doctors, with a significant number from India and Pakistan.
Way forward:
Strengthening Domestic Medical Education Infrastructure: Increase the number of medical seats and improve the quality of training in home countries to reduce dependence on foreign institutions. Example: India has added over 100 new medical colleges since 2019 to expand access to medical education.
Stricter Accreditation and Recognition of Foreign Medical Degrees: Establish global accreditation standards and bilateral agreements to ensure only high-quality foreign medical degrees are recognized. Example: The National Exit Test (NExT) in India will standardize assessment for both domestic and foreign medical graduates.
The Maharashtra cyber police have denied YouTuber Samay Raina’s request for more time to join the investigation into a case against him, podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, and others. The case was filed over an “obscene joke” made by Allahbadia on Raina’s show, India’s Got Latent.
What is an “obscene joke”?
An “obscene joke” is a joke that contains sexually explicit, vulgar, or offensive content that may be considered inappropriate, indecent, or immoral by societal standards.
What are the Ethical Issues Surrounding Obscenity?
Freedom of Expression vs. Public Morality: Content creators often push boundaries in comedy, art, and media, but their work may conflict with societal norms and moral values. Example: A stand-up comedian making jokes about religious figures or sexual themes faces backlash from communities who find it offensive.
Cultural Sensitivities and Perception: What is considered obscene varies across cultures, making content regulation complex. Example: Nudity in Western films may be viewed as artistic, whereas in India, it often faces censorship under decency laws.
Impact on Vulnerable Audiences: Children and adolescents may be influenced by explicit content, shaping their attitudes toward relationships, gender roles, and social behaviour.Example: Music videos with sexually suggestive lyrics and visuals can promote unrealistic or unhealthy perceptions of relationships.
Exploitation and Objectification: Media and advertisements sometimes use sexually provocative imagery, reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes.Example: Advertisements that use hypersexualized images of women to sell products contribute to the objectification of women.
Accountability of Content Creators and Platforms: Digital platforms and influencers have a responsibility to regulate content while ensuring free speech is not misused. Example: A YouTube influencer posting explicit prank videos that go viral raises concerns about platform moderation and ethical responsibility.
What are the legal provisions related to Obscenity?
Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
Section 292: Prohibits the sale, distribution, and public exhibition of obscene materials, including books, paintings, and electronic content.
Section 293: Increases punishment for selling obscene materials to minors.
Section 294: Penalizes obscene acts and songs in public places.
Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000
Section 67: Prohibits the publication, transmission, and distribution of obscene electronic content, including on social media and online platforms.
Section 67A: Imposes stricter penalties for publishing sexually explicit material in electronic form.
Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: Restricts the depiction of women in an indecent or derogatory manner in advertisements, publications, and other media.
What can be the Key Recommendations for Obscenity?
Clear Legal Definitions and Guidelines: Laws should define “obscenity” more precisely to avoid subjective interpretations and misuse. Example: Updating Section 292 of the IPC to distinguish between artistic expression and truly obscene content.
Stronger Content Moderation on Digital Platforms: Social media and streaming services should implement stricter policies to regulate obscene content. Example: YouTube and Instagram enforce AI-based content moderation to flag and remove explicit material.
Public Awareness and Media Literacy: Educating audiences, especially minors, about responsible content consumption and the impact of obscene materials. Example: Schools include media literacy programs to help students critically analyze digital content.
Balanced Regulation Without Censorship: Authorities should ensure that restrictions on obscenity do not infringe on creative freedom and free speech. Example: Allowing adult-rated films and stand-up comedy with proper disclaimers instead of outright bans.
Stronger Accountability for Content Creators and Influencers: Creators should adhere to ethical guidelines and be held accountable for promoting obscene or harmful content. Example: Social media influencers issue public apologies and remove controversial videos after backlash.
Way forward:
Strengthening Regulatory Mechanisms: Implement a balanced framework that ensures accountability without suppressing creative freedom. Example: Establishing independent review bodies to assess content complaints objectively.
Promoting Ethical Digital Responsibility: Encourage responsible content creation and consumption through self-regulation and industry guidelines.Example: Platforms introducing stricter age-restriction features and user awareness campaigns.
Mains PYQ:
Q State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance. (150 words) (UPSC IAS/2016)
Over the past decade, the Aam Aadmi Party’s government in Delhi has been in a constant legal battle with the Centre over the city’s special constitutional status and how it should be governed.
What is the Constitutional status of Delhi?
Union Territory with Special Status – Delhi is a Union Territory (UT) but has a legislative assembly and council of ministers, unlike most other UTs. It is governed under Article 239 and Article 239AA of the Indian Constitution.
Limited Legislative Powers – The Delhi Legislative Assembly can make laws on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List, except for police, public order, and land, which remain under the control of the Central Government (Article 239AA(3)(a)).
Three Power Centers – Governance in Delhi is divided among:
Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (elected government)
Lieutenant Governor (L-G) (appointed by the President)
Union Home Ministry (exercises control over law, order, and services).
L-G’s Role and Discretionary Powers – While the L-G is bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, they can refer matters to the President in case of disagreements, giving the Centre overriding authority (Article 239AA(4)).
Sui Generis (Unique) Model – The Supreme Court has ruled that Delhi’s governance model is neither like a full-fledged state nor like a regular Union Territory, making it a special case within India’s federal structure.
How does Delhi differ from other Union Territories and States?
Feature
Delhi (NCT)
Full-Fledged State
Other Union Territories (UTs)
Legislative Assembly
Yes (since 1991)
Yes
No (except J&K, Puducherry)
Elected Government
Yes
Yes
No (except J&K, Puducherry)
Control Over Public Order
No
Yes
No
Control Over Land
No
Yes
No
Lieutenant Governor(L-G)
Yes, has special powers
No (Governor acts as ceremonial head)
Yes (UTs are directly administered by L-G/Administrator)
Power Over Services (Bureaucracy)
Limited (Disputed between Delhi Govt. & Centre)
Yes (State Govt. controls)
No (Centre controls)
Special Constitutional Provisions
Yes (Article 239AA)
No (Governed under normal state rules)
No (UTs are governed under Article 239)
What are the legal battles between Delhi and the central Government?
Control Over Bureaucracy (Services Department Dispute): The Centre transferred control of Delhi’s bureaucracy (services) to the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) through a 2015 notification. The Supreme Court (2023) ruled in favor of the Delhi government, giving it power over services except police, land, and public order. However, the Centre later amended the GNCTD Act (2023) to override this decision, restoring L-G’s power over services.
Example: The Delhi government’s attempt to appoint bureaucrats without L-G’s approval was blocked.
Lieutenant Governor’s Special Powers (Interpretation of Article 239AA): The Centre argued that the L-G has overriding authority over all governance matters, while the Delhi government maintained that L-G must act on the aid and advice of the elected government. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the L-G must follow the advice of the Delhi government, except in matters explicitly under the Centre’s control.
Example: The L-G blocked multiple decisions of the Delhi Cabinet, including the ‘Doorstep Ration Delivery’ scheme, citing procedural issues.
Control Over Law and Order (Police and Land Disputes): Delhi’s elected government has no control over law and order (including Delhi Police and land administration), leading to governance challenges. The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld Centre’s control over these subjects as per Article 239AA.
Example: The Delhi government sought control over Delhi Police after riots in 2020, but the Centre refused, citing law and order as a central subject.
What are the implications due to Governance Crisis and Political Fallout?
Administrative Paralysis and Policy Delays: Frequent clashes between the Delhi government and the L-G have stalled decision-making, leading to delays in key projects and governance paralysis.
Example: The Mohalla Clinics initiative for public healthcare faced repeated delays due to bureaucratic approvals and interference by the L-G’s office.
Reduced Accountability and Bureaucratic Resistance: With dual control over administration, bureaucrats often face conflicting orders from the elected government and the Centre, leading to inefficiency.
Example: The Delhi Jal Board’s water supply projects were disrupted as officers refused to follow the Delhi government’s directives, citing L-G’s authority.
Political Tensions and Electoral Ramifications: The governance crisis has deepened political rivalries, with the Delhi government accusing the Centre of undermining democracy, while the Centre claims Delhi needs central oversight due to its national capital status.
Example: The arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in the excise policy case led to political instability and weakened AAP’s governance.
What could happen after the election result in future?
Stronger Central Control and Policy Alignment: With the BJP in power in both the Centre and Delhi, governance could become more streamlined as there would be no friction over administrative control.
Example: The L-G’s role in decision-making would likely diminish in practice, as seen in BJP-ruled Puducherry, where Centre-state coordination improved after a BJP-backed government took over.
Reversal of AAP’s Key Policies: The BJP might roll back or modify key AAP policies, such as free electricity, water subsidies, and education reforms, aligning governance with its national agenda.
Example: Similar to how the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh altered welfare schemes after replacing the Congress government, a BJP-led Delhi might review or discontinue AAP’s flagship initiatives.
Way forward:
Clearer Division of Powers – Amendments to Article 239AA or a judicial clarification can establish a more balanced framework, ensuring smooth governance without frequent conflicts between the Centre and the Delhi government.
Strengthening Cooperative Federalism – A structured dialogue mechanism between the Centre, L-G, and the elected government can improve coordination.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics? (UPSC IAS/2016)
This article covers India’s journey toward maritime self-reliance, focusing on indigenous naval production and strategic initiatives. UPSC tends to ask questions that connect current affairs with static knowledge. Many struggle with connecting current events to static concepts. It’s not just about knowing the facts but understanding their broader implications in the context of India’s defense strategy. Another common mistake is not giving enough attention to details of indigenous systems or the technical aspects involved in defense production, which are key to understanding India’s maritime self-reliance. This article breaks down complex topics into simple, digestible pieces. It covers both current news and static knowledge, making it easy to understand how one ties into the other. It also connects real-world events (like the commissioning of warships) with defense policy and technological advancements, helping to bridge gaps in understanding.
PYQ ANCHORING & MICROTHEMES
GS 2: Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO(International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. [2023]
GS 3 : What are the maritime security challenges in India ? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. [2022]
Microtheme: Maritime Security challenges
On January 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the commissioning of three naval platforms—INS Surat (destroyer), INS Nilgiri (frigate), and INS Vagsheer (submarine)—built at Mazagon Docks, marking a historic milestone in India’s quest for maritime self-reliance (Atmanirbharta).
The Indian Navy’s Swavlamban initiative reflects a commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance), emphasizing innovation and indigenization in defense manufacturing. This aligns with India’s broader aspirations of reducing dependency on imports while leveraging domestic capabilities to add value and boost exports.
PRESENT STATUS OF MARINE ATMANIRBHARTA
Aspect
Details
Present Force Level
Approximately 150 ships and submarines, with 60 large Navy ships valued at Rs 1.5 trillion currently under construction.
Indigenous Warship and Submarine Production
Warships: 60 warships/vessels under construction at MDL, GRSE, and GSL, including:
– INS Vikrant (India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, commissioned 2022)
– Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project, including Arihant-class nuclear submarines.
– INS Arihant and Arighat (indigenous nuclear-powered submarines).
– Kalvari-class submarines (Scorpene, six inducted/planned under Project 75 at MDL).
Indigenous Weapons Systems
– BrahMos Missiles (jointly with Russia, domestically produced)
– Varunastra Torpedo (indigenous heavyweight torpedo for anti-submarine warfare).
– DRDO Missiles & Systems (Barak-8, underwater surveillance systems).
Indigenous Sensors and Electronics
– Development of Combat Management Systems (CMS), radar systems (Rohini and Revathi), and Sonars (HUMSA-NG for ships and submarines).
Aircraft and UAVs
– Naval Tejas (Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft for carrier-based operations under development).
– Dornier 228 Aircraft (locally produced multi-role aircraft for maritime patrol).
– Rustom UAV (Indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle for surveillance).
The Indian Navy’s present force level comprises about 150 ships and submarines with 60 large Navy ships, valued around Rs 1.5 trillion, are under construction. India’s naval force has made significant strides in domestic production, showcasing a growing reliance on indigenous capabilities.
KEY STEPS TOWARDS MARITIME ATMNIRBHARTA
1. Strategic Vision and Initiatives: SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework emphasizes an open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with India as a first responder in the Indian Ocean.
2. Evolution of Self-Reliance:
Make-in-India (2014) aimed at attracting foreign manufacturers to set up operations in India for job creation, skill development, and technology transfer.
Atmanirbhar Bharat expands this vision to foster domestic manufacturing (indigenization) and ensure India’s capacity to add value to necessary imports.
3. Navy’s Success in Indigenization:
Since the 1960s, the Navy has indigenously designed 19 warship models and built 121 ships and submarines.
It has developed advanced systems like propulsion mechanisms, sonar, electronic warfare suites, fire control systems, and more, many of which are exported as “world-class” products.
4. Focus on Technology & MSMEs:
The Navy’s 15-year Science and Technology Roadmap emphasizes cutting-edge areas like AI, robotics, hypersonic missiles, and bio-technical weapons. E.g. DPSUs and MSMEs Collaboration.
MSMEs and start-ups play a crucial role in creating disruptive technologies and supporting special operations. E.g. Green Channel Policy.
5. Collaborations & Innovation Structures:
The Navy has established the Naval Indigenisation and Innovation Organisation (NIIO), the Naval Technology Acceleration Council (N-TAC), and vendor-development programs to facilitate partnerships with academia, industry, and global players.
Initiatives like IN STEP engage students to work on naval problem statements.
NEEDS OF MARITIME ATMNIRBHARTA
Area
Benefit
Example
National Security and Strategic Autonomy
Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers, ensuring independence during conflicts.
Development of the INS Arihant.
Economic Growth and Cost-Effectiveness
Reduces reliance on imports, strengthens local industries, creates jobs, fosters innovation.
Construction of INS Kamorta (anti-submarine warfare corvette) in Kolkata.
Maritime Domain Awareness
Enhances ability to monitor coastlines, EEZ, and IOR with tailored surveillance systems.
PierSight’s Varuna.
Global Influence and Soft Power
Builds credibility and strengthens international partnerships via defense exports.
Export of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).
Aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision
Supports India’s goal of self-reliance, reduces import dependency in defense.
Construction of the INS Vikrant under Make in India and Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.
Preparedness for Non-Traditional Threats
Facilitates quick, tailored responses to maritime threats like piracy and terrorism.
Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
Technology and Innovation Advancement
Promotes local technological development benefiting both defense and civilian sectors.
Varunastra torpedo.
CHALLENGES WITH INDIA’S MARITIME ATMNIRBHARTA
Global and Regional Context:
The Indian Navy is well-regarded, but still behind major powers like the US and China.
True Value Rating (TrV): India ranks 7th globally with 103 major naval units and a TrV of 100.5, while the US and China have much larger fleets with TrVs of 323.9 and 319.8, respectively.
Defense Spending: India’s defense budget for 2023 was $84 billion, while the US spent $916 billion and China spent $330 billion.
Challenges in Indigenisation:
Shipbuilding Delays: India’s shipbuilding is slow. For example, the INS Surat took 31 months to build, while China built a similar ship in just 4.5 months.
Dependence on Imports: A lot of the equipment needed for warships is still bought from other countries. There are few local successes, like the BrahMos missile.
R&D Challenges: Progress in developing military technology has been slow, affecting India’s ability to become truly self-reliant in defense.
Technological and Innovation Gaps: India still relies on foreign technology for important systems, like advanced turbines, nuclear propulsion, and anti-submarine weapons. The slow adaptation to new technology makes it harder to keep up with global competition.
Infrastructure and Skilled Workforce Deficits: Shipyards in India, like MDL and GRSE, are overloaded, causing delays in production. There is also a shortage of skilled professionals in areas like submarine design and weapon development.
Bureaucratic and Budgetary Challenges: The process of buying new defense technology is slow and complicated, often leading to delays and cost overruns. This is seen in projects like the Arihant-class nuclear submarines.
Security Vulnerabilities: The increasing use of digital systems, such as those on INS Vikramaditya, exposes the navy to cyber threats. Stronger security measures are needed to protect sensitive technology.
Global Competition and Limited Export: Indian defense products face tough competition from countries like the US and China in the global market. Challenges in scaling up production and selling technology like the INS Kalvari limit India’s export opportunities.
WAY FORWARD
Defense R&D: Prioritize local development of naval technologies like the INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier.
Empowerment: Support local industries like Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in manufacturing naval assets through public-private partnerships.
Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen ties with countries like France for the Scorpene submarine project, which was a joint venture for building nuclear-capable submarines.
Infrastructure Development: Modernize Goa Shipyard to ramp up the construction speed of ships, reducing delays in building vital naval vessels.
Naval Doctrine: Develop strategies for countering hybrid warfare, like India’s policy on anti-submarine warfare and cyber defense strategies to prevent naval vulnerabilities.
Acquisition Reforms: Streamline naval procurement processes as seen with the quick induction of the INS Kalvari, a Scorpene-class submarine.
Visionary Leadership: Provide political direction like in the Make in India campaign, driving India’s commitment to indigenous defense production, such as the BrahMos missile program.
Youth Engagement: Encourage youth in STEM through programs like the Indian Navy’s National level internship scheme, where students work directly on naval technologies.
#BACK2BASICS: DOMESTIC PRODUCTION FOR INDIA’S NAVY
1. Indigenous Warship and Submarine Production:
a. Warships: 60 warships and vessels are currently under construction in Indian shipyards, including the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Notable projects are:
INS Vikrant: India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, commissioned in 2022.
Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class destroyers): Advanced stealth destroyers being built domestically.
Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project: Launched in the 1980s and marked India’s place in designing and building nuclear-powered submarines, leading to the creation of the Arihant-class submarines.
INS Arihant and Arighat: India’s indigenous nuclear-powered submarine.
Kalvari-class submarines (Scorpene): Built under Project 75 at MDL in collaboration with France, with six submarines inducted/planned.
2. Indigenous Weapons Systems:
BrahMos Missiles: Jointly developed with Russia and domestically produced; equipped on many Indian Navy ships.
Varunastra Torpedo: Indigenously developed heavyweight torpedo used in anti-submarine warfare.
DRDO-developed missiles and systems: Advanced missile systems like Barak-8 and underwater surveillance systems.
3. Indigenous Sensors and Electronics:
Development of Combat Management Systems (CMS) and radar systems such as the Rohini radar and Revathi radar, enhancing the Navy’s self-reliance.
Sonars: Indigenous sonars like HUMSA-NG are deployed on Indian Navy ships and submarines.
4. Aircraft and UAVs:
Naval Tejas: Efforts are ongoing to operationalize an indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for carrier-based operations.
Dornier 228 Aircraft: Locally produced multi-role aircraft for maritime patrol.
Rustom UAV: Indigenous unmanned aerial vehicles are under development for surveillance purposes.
Scientists at PRL, Ahmedabad, discovered the exoplanet TOI-6038A b, a dense sub-Saturn-sized planet with a mass of 78.5 Earth masses and a radius of 6.41 Earth radii, using the PARAS-2 spectrograph at Mount Abu Observatory.
About TOI-6038A b
TOI-6038A b is a dense sub-Saturn-sized planet with a mass of 78.5 Earth masses and a radius of 6.41 Earth radii, orbiting a bright, metal-rich F-type star every 5.83 days in a circular orbit.
This is the 2nd exoplanet discovery using the PARAS-2 spectrograph.
It is also the 5th exoplanet detection combining efforts of PARAS-1 and PARAS-2, showcasing India’s growing expertise in astronomical instrumentation.
About PARAS-2 Spectrograph:
PARAS-2 (PRL Advanced Radial-velocity All-sky Search-2) is a state-of-the-art high-resolution spectrograph designed for exoplanet detection.
The development of PARAS-2 began in mid-2018 and was successfully installed at the telescope site in mid-2022.
It is the highest-resolution stabilized radial velocity (RV) spectrograph in Asia, operating at a precision level of 30 cm/s.
It is installed at PRL’s 2.5-meter telescope at the Mount Abu Observatory, benefiting from high-altitude, clear sky conditions.
Key Features of PARAS-2:
Operates in the 380-690 nm waveband, making it suitable for studying a wide range of celestial objects.
Resolution of ~107,000, the highest in Asia, enabling ultra-precise exoplanetary studies.
Ultra-stable temperature and pressure environment: Maintained at 24 ± 0.001 °C and 0.005 ± 0.0005 mbar, ensuring minimal instrumental drift.
Uses a Uranium Argon Hollow Cathode Lamp (UAr HCL) for calibration, achieving a velocity precision of better than 2 m/s.
Advanced optical fiber system for capturing stellar light and spectral calibration data simultaneously.
It uses the radial velocity method, which detects tiny wobbles in a star’s motion caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet.
These wobbles cause shifts in the star’s light spectrum, allowing scientists to determine a planet’s presence, mass, and orbital period.
It can detect minute stellar movements, making it ideal for finding low-mass exoplanets like super-Earths.
PYQ:
[2015] The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:
(a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
(b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available
(c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) search for meteorites containing precious metals
A deep-sea fishing expedition conducted by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) has uncovered several highly productive and previously unexplored fishing grounds in the Arabian Sea.
Key Findings of the Deep-Sea Survey:
Fishing was conducted at depths between 300-540 meters using deep-sea trawlers.
Observer Nations: Several non-Arab nations, including Brazil, Eritrea, India, and Venezuela, hold observer status but do not have voting rights.
Key Achievements of the Arab League:
Arab Peace Initiative (2002): Proposed a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Military Coordination: Facilitated joint military efforts in various regional conflicts.
Economic Integration: Established the Arab Free Trade Area to promote intra-regional trade.
Cultural and Educational Exchange Programs: Strengthened cooperation in education, research, and cultural preservation.
PYQ:
[2023] Consider the following statements :
Statement-I: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
Statement-II: The ‘Arab Peace Initiative’ mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
