D Gukesh, the reigning World Chess Champion, achieved a milestone by defeating world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen for the first time in a classical game during Round 6 of Norway Chess.
Who is D. Gukesh?
About: D Gukesh is an Indian chess grandmaster (born on May 29, 2006) and the current World Chess Champion.
Early Start: He started playing chess at the age of seven and quickly rose to fame due to his extraordinary skill.
Topmost Indian Player: In September 2023, he became India’s highest-rated chess player, ending Viswanathan Anand’s 37-year reign.
Global Recognition: He is considered one of the most talented chess prodigies in the world today.
His Accomplishments:
FIDE Master Title: In 2015, he became a FIDE Master after winning the Under-9 Asian School Chess Championship.
International Master: In March 2018, he became an International Master at the age of 11.
Grandmaster Milestone: At 12 years and 7 months, he became the second-youngest Grandmaster in history.
World Youth Champion: He won the Under-12 World Youth Chess Championship in 2018.
Asian Youth Success: He won five gold medals at the 2018 Asian Youth Championships in classical, rapid, blitz, and team events.
Chess Olympiad 2022: In the 44th Chess Olympiad, he won individual gold on board one and helped India win team bronze.
Victory Over Carlsen: In 2022, he defeated Magnus Carlsen in rapid chess at the Aimchess Rapid tournament.
Crossed 2700 Elo: He crossed the 2700 Elo rating in 2022, becoming the third-youngest to achieve it.
Broke Carlsen’s Record: In August 2023, he crossed 2750 Elo, becoming the youngest ever to do so.
Candidates Tournament: He won the 2024 Candidates Tournament, becoming the youngest player to ever win it.
World Champion Title: On December 12, 2024, at 18 years and 195 days, he defeated Ding Liren to become the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion.
Indian Chess Legacy: He became only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the world title.
Chess Olympiad 2024: At the 45th Chess Olympiad, he helped India win team gold and secured individual gold.
National Honour: In January 2025, he received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour.
[UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:
I. In the finals of the 45th Chess Olympiad held in 2024, Gukesh Dommaraju became the world’s youngest winner after defeating the Russian player Ian Nepomniachtchi.
II. Abhimanyu Mishra, an American chess player, holds the record of becoming world’s youngest ever Grandmaster.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: a) I only b) II only* c) Both I and II d) Neither I nor II
[UPSC 2021] What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?
Linkage: India’s leadership in grassroots crypto adoption and the significant investment by retail investors, indicating its presence and potential impact on Indian society. Understanding this impact is a foundational aspect of the broader discussion on regulating VDAs.
Mentor’s Comment: The Supreme Court’s recent observation questioning the absence of comprehensive crypto regulation highlights the urgent need for India to replace punitive taxation with structured oversight. Between December 2023 and October 2024, Indian investors traded over ₹2.63 trillion worth of crypto on offshore platforms, causing the country to miss out on substantial tax revenues and governance control. The article emphasizes this contradiction—a rapidly growing industry at the grassroots level and a fragmented, reactionary policy at the top.
Today’s editorial will talk about the comprehensive crypto regulation. This content would help in GS Paper II ( Governance) and GS Paper III (Science & Technology).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
India has kept its top position in grassroots crypto adoption for the second year in a row, according to the 2024 Chainalysis Geography of Crypto report. But this achievement comes at a time when clear regulations are missingand government policies on crypto remain confusing and inconsistent.
What drives India’s lead in grassroots crypto adoption?
High Retail Investor Participation: Indian retail investors have shown strong enthusiasm, investing $6.6 billion into crypto assets (NASSCOM report). Eg: A large number of small-ticket retail trades contribute to India topping Chainalysis’ 2024 grassroots crypto adoption index.
Growing Web3 Developer Ecosystem: India hosts one of the fastest-growing Web3 developer communities, driving innovation and ecosystem engagement. Eg: Startups and developers building decentralized apps (dApps) and blockchain solutions across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Youthful Demographic and Digital Penetration: A young, tech-savvy population, high smartphone usage, and digital literacy foster wide crypto experimentation. Eg: College students and freelancers using stablecoins and crypto wallets for micro-transactions and cross-border payments.
Lack of Traditional Investment Access and Inflation Hedge: Limited access to formal investment channels and search for inflation-resistant assets prompt people to explore crypto. Eg: Young earners in semi-urban areas using crypto as an alternative to gold or fixed deposits for wealth storage.
Why did the Supreme Court flag regulatory gaps in 2025?
Absence of a Comprehensive Legal Framework: The Court noted the lack of clear and cohesive legislation for Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs), which hampers effective regulation and enforcement. Eg: In May 2025, the Supreme Court remarked, “Banning may be shutting your eyes to ground reality,” highlighting the disconnect between policy and practice.
Overreliance on Prohibitive Taxation Instead of Regulation: India imposed heavy taxes (30% capital gains, 1% TDS) as a stop-gap, without establishing regulatory clarity or investor safeguards. Eg: Despite taxation, crypto users shifted to offshore platforms, leading to over ₹60 billion in uncollected TDSand loss of oversight.
Risk of Pushing Activity Underground: The absence of regulation combined with enforcement gaps drove users towards non-compliant and unregulated exchanges, increasing systemic risk. Eg: The Court observed that without enabling regulation, users bypassed restrictions via VPNs and mirror sites, undermining regulatory intent.
Who ensures compliance in India’s crypto ecosystem?
Reserve Bank of India (RBI): As the monetary authority, RBI oversees the impact of crypto on financial stability, capital controls, and payment systems. Eg: RBI issued circulars in 2013 and 2018 warning financial institutions against dealing with crypto-related entities.
Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND): FIU-IND monitors suspicious transactions, enforces anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terror financing (CFT) norms. Eg: Indian Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) collaborated with FIU-IND to strengthen AML/CFT compliance, gaining positive feedback from FATF.
Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs): VASPs act as domestic intermediaries ensuring KYC norms, reporting standards, and overall ecosystem transparency. Eg: After the 2024 crypto hack ($230 million loss), Indian VASPs enhanced cybersecurity, created insurance funds, and implemented industry-wide security guidelines.
Where are most Indian crypto assets traded?
Offshore, Non-Compliant Platforms: A significant portion of Indian crypto trading happens on offshore exchanges that do not comply with Indian regulations. Eg: Between July 2022 and December 2023, Indians traded over ₹1.03 trillion worth of VDAs on such platforms.
Limited Domestic Exchange Usage: Only about 9% of India’s estimated ₹1.12 trillion worth of crypto assets are held or traded on domestic exchanges. Eg: This limited use reflects investor preference for platforms with broader asset choices or less stringent controls.
How have Indian Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) improved security and compliance?
Strengthened Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Indian VASPs have collaborated closely with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) to enhance monitoring and reporting standards. Eg: This cooperation earned positive feedback from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for improved compliance.
Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures: After the 2024 crypto hack that resulted in a $230 million loss, many Indian exchanges implemented stronger security protocols and real-time risk monitoring. Eg: Exchanges set up dedicated insurance funds to protect users against future thefts.
Industry-Wide Standardization and Collaboration: Indian VASPs united to create and enforce common cybersecurity guidelines and best practices across the ecosystem. Eg: This collective effort has improved overall trust and resilience of India’s crypto platforms.
Way forward:
Formulate a Comprehensive, Risk-Based Regulatory Framework: India must develop clear, future-ready legislation that classifies, governs, and monitors Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) in alignment with global standards (like FATF, IMF). Eg: A dedicated VDA Regulatory Authority or inclusion under SEBI/RBI oversight can ensure investor protection, AML enforcement, and innovation support.
Strengthen Domestic VASP Ecosystem Through Incentives and Integration: Encourage onshore compliance by lowering tax burdens, supporting innovation sandboxes, and integrating VASPs into India’s formal financial ecosystem. Eg: Offering tax rebates or compliance credits to VASPs adopting stringent KYC/CFT and cybersecurity norms can enhance trust and reduce offshore migration.
India’s economic data for 2024–25 shows a mixed picture: the economy grew strongly by 7.4% in the last quarter, which was better than expected, but the overall yearly growth dropped to 6.5% — the lowest in four years since the pandemic.
What led to the higher-than-expected GDP growth in Q4 2024-25?
Robust Growth in Construction and Agriculture Sectors: The construction sector returned to double-digit growth, and agriculture performed strongly, both of which are key employment generators. Eg: Infrastructure expansion and favourable harvests boosted rural incomes and demand.
Strong Performance of Services Sector: The services sector maintained steady and strong growth, contributing significantly to the GDP rise. Eg: IT, finance, and hospitality services saw sustained recovery post-pandemic.
Statistical Boost from Higher Net Taxes: A 12.7% increase in net tax collections inflated the GDP figure, even though underlying economic activity was slower. Eg: Higher indirect tax revenues during the quarter pushed headline growth from ~6.8% to 7.4%.
Why is 6.5% annual GDP growth seen as inadequate despite being the highest globally?
Below the Required Rate for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ Vision: To achieve the developed nation goal by 2047, India needs sustained annual growth of around 8% or more. Eg: The Economic Survey states that consistent 8% growth is essential to meet infrastructure, employment, and welfare needs by 2047.
Mismatch with India’s Domestic Demands and Aspirations: India’s population growth and development needs demand faster economic expansion, regardless of how the rest of the world is performing. Eg: Even though India outpaces global peers, a 6.5% rate may not create enough jobs or uplift per capita incomes sufficiently.
Limited Acceleration Potential Under Stable Growth Phase: While 6.5% reflects stability, it also signals a plateau, with low inflation but no signs of rapid acceleration in the near future. Eg: Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran indicated India may not see major growth spurts soon, making it harder to catch up with long-term development targets.
How do net taxes affect the true picture of GDP growth?
Artificial Boost to Headline GDP: A significant rise in net taxes (taxes minus subsidies) can inflate GDP figures without a corresponding increase in real economic activity. Eg: In Q4 2024–25, GDP growth was 7.4%, but without the 12.7% surge in net taxes, real growth would have been around 6.8%.
Distorts Sector-Wise Contribution Assessment: High net tax contributions may overshadow sluggish performance in core sectors like manufacturing or consumption, giving a misleading impression of overall health. Eg: Despite weak private consumption, GDP looked robust due to the statistical impact of increased tax revenue.
Is stable growth enough for India’s transition?
Stability Reduces Risk but Limits Acceleration: While stable growth ensures low inflation and reduced economic volatility, it may not generate the momentum needed to transform India into a developed economy. Eg: As per the Chief Economic Adviser, India has entered a phase of low inflation and stable growth, but such stability might cap faster economic acceleration.
Inadequate for Meeting Rising Aspirations: India’s growing population and developmental needs require higher employment, infrastructure, and productivity, which stable but slow growth may not adequately support. Eg: A 6.5% GDP growth may not create enough jobs or income levels to match the goals of schemes like ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.
Missed Opportunity in a Global Slowdown: In a “growth-scarce” global environment, India has the chance to become a key economic engine. Relying on stable growth without pushing for higher gains may lead to missed strategic opportunities. Eg: Despite outperforming other major economies, India’s slow capital investment pace until late FY25 indicates underutilization of its potential.
Way forward:
Accelerate Structural Reforms and Investments: India must boost productivity by investing in infrastructure, manufacturing, skilling, and digitalisation, while simplifying regulations to attract both domestic and foreign investment. Eg: Fast-tracking initiatives like Gati Shakti and PLI schemes can unlock higher economic momentum.
Enhance Domestic Demand and Job Creation: Policies should focus on reviving rural consumption, supporting MSMEs, and expanding labour-intensive sectors to ensure inclusive growth. Eg: Increasing public expenditure on health, education, and affordable housing can stimulate demand and generate employment.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth?
Linkage: Inclusive growth is a core objective for a “transitioning economy” like India aiming for goals such as ‘Viksit Bharat’, and challenges in achieving it represent “growing pains”.
A groundbreaking study by Microsoft and WSP Global, published in Nature, shows major progress in making data centres more environmentally friendly.
What are Data centres?
Data centres are specialized facilities used to store, process, and manage data for organizations. They house large numbers of computer servers, network equipment, storage systems, and cooling systems, and form the backbone of the digital infrastructure that powers the internet, cloud computing, and various IT services.
What are the environmental benefits of using cold plates and immersion cooling in data centres?
Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: These methods reduce emissions by 15–21% compared to traditional air cooling. Eg: Microsoft’s study showed that using immersion cooling in their data centres significantly reduced carbon emissions during peak operations.
Reduced Energy Consumption: They use 15–20% less energy, as liquid coolants transfer heat more efficiently than air. Eg: Alibaba’s deployment of cold plate cooling led to lower power usage effectiveness (PUE), cutting energy bills and environmental impact.
Significant Water Conservation: Water usage drops by 31–52%, helping conserve freshwater resources Eg: In water-stressed regions like Arizona, using cold plate cooling helps tech firms operate data centres without heavy reliance on water-based air conditioning systems.
How does life cycle assessment aid in evaluating cooling technologies?
Measures Full Environmental Impact (Cradle to Grave): LCA evaluates emissions, energy use, and water consumption across a product’s entire lifecycle — from manufacturing to disposal. Eg: The Microsoft-WSP study assessed cold plates and immersion cooling from production to end-of-life, revealing their overall environmental benefits.
Identifies Trade-offs Between Technologies: LCA highlights sustainability trade-offs, helping compare the true impact of different cooling methods. Eg: It showed that while immersion cooling reduces emissions, the type of coolant used may raise separate ecological concerns.
Supports Informed Decision-Making for Climate Goals: LCA provides data-driven insights for industry and policymakers to adopt greener technologies that align with emissions targets. Eg: The ICT sector can use LCA results to choose cooling systems that help cut emissions by 42% by 2030, as per global climate goals.
Why is renewable energy essential for sustainable data centre cooling?
Drastically Reduces Carbon Emissions: Using renewable energy like solar or wind can cut emissions by 85–90%, regardless of the cooling technology used. Eg: A data centre powered by wind energy in Sweden showed near-zero emissions even with traditional air cooling.
Enhances the Impact of Green Cooling Technologies: When combined with cold plates or immersion cooling, renewables amplify environmental benefits by further lowering energy and water use. Eg: The Microsoft-WSP study found that with 100% renewables, water savings could increase up to 50%.
Ensures True Sustainability Across the System: Cooling innovations alone aren’t enough if the electricity source is polluting; renewables make the entire system eco-friendly. Eg: A server cooled efficiently but powered by coal-based electricity still carries a high carbon footprint.
In what ways are liquid-cooling methods superior to air cooling?
Higher Cooling Efficiency and Performance: Liquid-cooling systems like cold plates and immersion cooling transfer heat more efficiently than air, reducing the risk of overheating and improving hardware performance. Eg: In Microsoft’s data centres, cold plate cooling reduced component temperatures significantly compared to air-cooled setups, boosting system reliability.
Lower Energy and Water Consumption: Liquid methods use 15–20% less energy and up to 52% less water, making them more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run. Eg: Alibaba’s immersion-cooled servers showed reduced electricity bills and water usage in high-demand operations.
To what extent can cooling innovations help meet ICT emission targets by 2030?
Significant Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Advanced cooling technologies like cold plates and immersion cooling can reduce ICT data centre emissions by 15–21%, directly contributing to the 42% emission cut target set for 2030 (from 2015 levels). Eg: Microsoft’s deployment of cold plate systems showed measurable emissions drops in large-scale data operations.
Supports Scalable, Energy-Efficient Data Centre Growth: As demand for cloud services increases, liquid cooling enables high-performance computing without a corresponding rise in energy and carbon footprint, helping the sector scale sustainably. Eg: Alibaba’s use of immersion cooling enabled expansion of AI and cloud infrastructure while keeping energy use in check.
Way forward:
Promote Policy Incentives for Green Cooling Technologies: Governments should provide tax breaks, capital subsidies, and faster approvals for data centres that adopt liquid-cooling systems and renewable energy integration. Eg: Extending schemes like India’s PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) to green tech in data centres can fast-track low-emission infrastructure adoption.
Mandate Life Cycle Assessments and Emission Reporting: Introduce mandatory Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and carbon disclosure norms for large-scale data centres to encourage transparent, science-based decisions. Eg: Requiring firms to report environmental impact from cooling systems can guide smarter industry shifts aligned with ICT sector’s 2030 emission targets.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] How will India achieve the target of 50% of its installed capacity from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain.
Linkage: Switching to renewable energy is a more effective way for the tech industry to run energy-hungry data centers in a cleaner, more sustainable way. This helps them meet climate goals and support national environmental targets.
What it is: The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed land route through Armenia’s Syunik Province that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan region, cutting across Armenian land.
Who supports it: Azerbaijan and Turkiye back the project. They want a direct link without Armenian border checks or customs interference.
Route Details: The corridor would be about 43–44 km long and pass near the Iran-Armenia border, giving it high geopolitical value.
Working on a transport route via Iran–Armenia–Georgia to Europe, bypassing Pakistan and the Suez Canal.
Concerns: If the Zangezur Corridor bypasses Armenian control, it could:
Disrupt India’s land trade route to Europe,
Reduce Iran’s regional access,
Weaken India’s strategic reach.
Larger Geo-Politics: Turkiye and Azerbaijan’s growing influence in the region is worrying for India, especially since Turkiye opposes India’s IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor).
India’s Stand: India supports Armenia’s sovereignty and opposes unilateral moves, aiming to:
Protect its trade routes,
Preserve strategic balance, and
Counter regional encirclement.
[UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs:
Regions often mentioned in news : Reason for being in news
1. North Kivu and Ituri : War between Armenia an 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 *
As of May 17, Iran holds 408.6 kg of enriched uranium (near to the weapons-grade level) up to 60%, up sharply from 274.8 kg in February 2024, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
About the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):
What it is: The IAEA is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and ensures it is not used for making nuclear weapons.
Establishment: It was created in 1957 following U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech. It is autonomous but reports to the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
Where it is based: Its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria, at the UN Office.
Members: The IAEA has 178 member countries, including India, which was a founding member.
Key Roles:
Promote peaceful nuclear technology use.
Prevent nuclear weapon development through safeguards.
Set safety and security standards for nuclear plants and materials.
It performs inspections, gives training, and supports countries in nuclear emergencies.
Recognition: In 2005, the IAEA won the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the spread of nuclear weapons.
IAEA and India:
India is a founding member: It supports the IAEA’s mission for peaceful nuclear development.
Nuclear Reactors Monitoring: Out of 22 nuclear reactors, 14 are monitored by the IAEA. These reactors use imported uranium from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Canada.
[UPSC 2020] In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?
Options: (a) Some use uranium and others use thorium (b) Some use imported uranium, and others use domestic supplies* (c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic (d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned
A recent archaeological survey has confirmed that Daojali Hading, located in Assam’s Dima Hasao district, was a Neolithic habitation zone over 2,700 years ago.
About Daojali Hading Neolithic Site:
Location: It is an important Neolithic archaeological site located in Dima Hasao district, Assam, within the Langting-Mupa Reserve Forest.
How old is it: Recent surveys by a multidisciplinary team have confirmed the site as a settled Neolithic habitation zone, over 2,700 years old.
Key discoveries:
Furnace remains and iron slag, indicating early metallurgical activity.
Cord-marked pottery, grinding stones, mortars and pestles, and polished stone tools such as arrowheads, celts, and adzes.
Significance: These findings suggest that Daojali Hading was not just a tool-making site, but a functioning settlement where people lived, cooked, crafted tools, and worked with metals.
Back2Basics: Neolithic Period in India
The Neolithic Age in India began around 7,000 B.C. and lasted until 1,000 B.C. It is the final phase of the Stone Age, following the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Ages.
This period is marked by:
The beginning of settled agriculture andthe domestication of animals.
Use of polished stone tools like axes, celts, and chisels.
Construction of mud and reed houses, sometimes using mud bricks.
Introduction of pottery in forms like grey ware, black burnished ware, and mat-impressed ware.
A community lifestyle with shared ownership of land and tools.
Neolithic people in India grew wheat, barley, rice, cotton, horse gram, and ragi, and domesticated cattle, goats, and sheep.
They lived in circular or rectangular houses, near rivers and lakes, and relied on hunting, fishing, and early farming.
Major Neolithic Sites in India:
Region
Site
Key Features
North-Western India
Burzahom (Kashmir)
Pit dwellings, stone tools, and animal domestication
Gufkral (Kashmir)
Early agriculture and handmade pottery
North India
Chirand (Bihar)
Polished tools, fishing economy
North-East India
Daojali Hading (Assam)
Discussed above.
South India
Utnur (Andhra Pradesh)
Large stone structures, farming tools
Pakistan (Indian Subcontinent)
Mehrgarh (Balochistan)
Earliest Neolithic site, settled farming, and granaries
[UPSC 2021] Question: Consider the following pairs:
Historical place: Well known for
1. Burzahom : Rock cut shrines
2. Chandraketugarh : Terracotta art
3. Ganeshwar: Copper artefacts
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3*
The Jharkhand government has announced to establish its first tiger safari in the fringe area of the Barwadih Western Forest Range in Latehar district, which is part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR).
What is a Tiger Safari?
About: A tiger safari is a tourist activity where visitors observe tigers in natural-like habitats, usually around tiger reserves.
Legal Status: The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 does NOT define tiger safaris but restricts construction in protected areas unless approved by the National Board for Wildlife.
Rules on Tiger Inclusion (2016): Initially, safaris were allowed only in buffer or fringe zones and could host rescued or conflict tigers, not zoo-bred ones.
Amended Rules (2019): The NTCA later allowed even zoo-bred tigers, with Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in charge of animal welfare.
Supreme Court Ruling (2024): The court ordered that safaris must be built outside core and buffer zones to protect wild habitats.
About Jharkhand’s Tiger Safari Project:
Location: Planned in the Barwadih Western Range, outside core and buffer zones of Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR), in line with the Supreme Court’s order.
Animal Inclusion: Will house only rescued, injured, or orphaned tigers from various reserves and zoos — not wild tigers from PTR.
Tourism and Employment: The project aims to boost tourism and create jobs for around 200 locals as guides and staff.
Approval Process: The plan is still in early stages. After state Forest Department approval, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will go to NTCA and CZA.
Back2Basics: Palamu Tiger Reserve
It is located in Jharkhand’s Latehar and Garhwa districts, is one of India’s oldest tiger reserves, established under Project Tiger in 1973.
Spanning over 1,014 sq. km, it features a diverse landscape of valleys, hills, plains and is nourished by rivers like the North Koel, Auranga, and Burha.
The reserve is rich in moist and dry deciduous forests, dominated by Sal and bamboo.
It is home to key wildlife species, including tigers, Asiatic elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.
[UPSC 2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
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]
Microthemes: 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.
