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Type: Prelims Only

  • RBI Notifications

    RBI Report on Currency and Finance (RCF), 2023-24

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Key highlights of RCF Report

    Why in the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the “Report on Currency and Finance (RCF)” for the year 2023-24 with the theme – India’s Digital Revolution.

    What is the Report on Currency and Finance (RCF)? 

    • The RCF is an annual publication by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
    • It covers various aspects of the Indian economy and financial system, providing insights and analysis on current economic conditions, financial stability, and policy issues.
    • The theme for the 2023-24 report is “India’s Digital Revolution.”
    • Focus: It focuses on the transformative impact of digitalization across various sectors in India, especially in the financial sector.
    • Highlights: The report highlights how digital technologies are reshaping economic growth, financial inclusion, public infrastructure, and the regulatory landscape. It also addresses the opportunities and challenges associated with digitalization.

    Key Highlights of the RCF:

    [1] Digital Revolution

    • The RCF emphasizes India’s leading role in the global digital revolution.
    • With robust digital public infrastructure (DPI), evolving institutional frameworks, and a tech-savvy population, India has emerged as a frontrunner in this arena.
    • Key initiatives such as Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric-based identification system, and the UPI, a real-time, low-cost transaction platform, have revolutionized service delivery and financial inclusion.

    [2] Digitalization in Finance

    • The above-discussed initiatives have made retail payments faster and more convenient, while the RBI’s pilot runs of the E-Rupee position India at the forefront of digital currency initiatives.
    • The digital lending ecosystem is also vibrant, with the Open Credit Enablement Network and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) driving growth.

    [3] Remittance Inflows in India

    • India continues to lead as the highest remittance recipient globally, with US$ 115.3 billion in 2023, accounting for 13.5% of the world’s total remittances.
    • The RCF highlights that more than half of India’s inward remittances in 2021 came from the Gulf countries, with North America contributing 22%.
    • The remittance-to-GDP ratio for India has risen from 2.8% in 2000 to 3.2% in 2023, surpassing the gross FDI inflows to GDP ratio of 1.9% in 2023.
    • Looking forward, India is poised to remain a leading supplier of labor, with its working-age population expected to rise until 2048, potentially propelling remittances to around $160 billion by 2029.

    [4] Smartphones Penetration

    • India’s mobile penetration has seen remarkable growth, with internet penetration reaching 55% in 2023 and an increase of 199 million internet users over the past three years.
    • The cost per gigabyte of data in India is the lowest globally, at an average of Rs. 13.32 per GB.
    • India has one of the highest mobile data consumption rates worldwide, with an average per-user per-month consumption of 24.1 GB in 2023.
    • The number of smartphone users in India was about 750 million in 2023, expected to reach 1 billion by 2026. 
    • The RCF projects that India will become the second-largest smartphone manufacturer within the next 5 years.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Which of the following is the most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’?

    (a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.
    (b) Digital currency will replace physical currency in about two decades.
    (c) FDI inflows will drastically increase.
    (d) Direct transfer of subsidies to poor people will become very effective.

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    The Physics of Pressure

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pressure and its impacts

    Why in the News?

    • Pressure is an indispensable part of life, often unnoticed but always present.
      • It’s the interaction of microscopic particles with the macroscopic world, creating phenomena like air pressure.

    What is Pressure?

    • Pressure is defined as the force exerted per unit area on a surface. 
    • For example, an apple weighing 100 g exerts a force of about 1 newton (N) on your hand and a pressure of approximately 500 Pa.
    • Atmospheric pressure is around 100,000 Pa, equivalent to the pressure exerted by about 200 apples on your hand.

    Everyday Examples of Pressure

    (1) Measuring Blood Pressure:

    • Blood pressure, measured in mm of mercury (mmHg), is an example of pressure in a different context.
    • Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer, which balances the pressure in an arm cuff with the pressure of the blood in the arteries.
    • The readings, such as 120/80 mmHg, represent the pressure during heartbeats (systolic) and between beats (diastolic).
    • Mercury, being 15 times heavier than water, allows for portable blood-pressure machines.

    (2) Pressure Cookers:

    • The whistle of a pressure cooker is a direct result of the increased pressure cooking the food efficiently.
    • The pressure cooker exemplifies the practical application of pressure in cooking, making it an indispensable kitchen tool.

    PYQ:

    [2021] In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?​

    1. Area of the hole in the lid​

    2. Temperature of the flame​

    3. Weight of the lid​

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.​

    (a) 1 and 2 only ​

    (b) 2 and 3 only​

    (c) 1 and 3 only ​

    (d) 1, 2 and 3​

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  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)

    GST on Health and Life Insurance Premiums

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: GST on Health Insurance

    Why in the News?

    • Insurance premiums on health and life policies have increased this year, and the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) has made insurance less affordable for many people.
      • Medical inflation, estimated at 14% towards the end of last year, along with increased premiums, has made buying medical insurance difficult for many.

    What is the GST on Health and Life Insurance Premiums?

    • GST replaced all indirect taxes like service tax and cess from July 1, 2017.
    • Currently, GST on health and life insurance policies is fixed at 18%.
    • According to the formula, the Centre collects 9% GST with a matching collection by states.
      • Before GST, life insurance premiums were subject to 15% service taxes, including Basic Service Tax, Swachh Bharat cess, and Krishi Kalyan cess.

    Rational behind the Tax

    • GST Council Recommendations:
      • GST rates and exemptions on all services, including insurance, are prescribed on the recommendations of the GST Council, which includes the Union Finance Minister and ministers nominated by state governments.
      • Insurance is considered a service, and policyholders pay tax on their premiums, generating significant revenue for the government.
    • Tax Deductions:
      • Insurance policies allow certain deductions while computing income tax under Sections 80C and 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Customers can avail deductions on the premium, including the GST applicable.

    Arguments for Withdrawing the GST on Premiums

    • High Premium Increases:
      • Significant increases in premiums on health insurance policies this year have been observed, with some public sector insurers hiking premiums by 50%.
      • The renewal rate of policies is declining due to frequent premium hikes and medical inflation.
    • Comparative GST Rates:
      • The Confederation of General Insurance Agents’ Associations of India points out that GST on insurance in India is the highest in the world.
      • The high GST rate is seen as a deterrent to insurance penetration, which conflicts with the goal of “Insurance for All by 2047”.
    • Recommendations for Rationalisation:
      • The Standing Committee on Finance recommended rationalising the GST rate on insurance products to make them more affordable.
      • Suggestions include reducing GST rates for health insurance, especially for senior citizens, micro-insurance policies, and term policies.

    Insurance Penetration in India:

    • According to a Swiss Re Sigma report, insurance penetration in India’s life insurance sector reduced from 3.2% in 2021-22 to 3% in 2022-23, while the non-life insurance sector remained stagnant at 1%.
    • Overall insurance penetration reduced to 4% in 2022-23 from 4.2% in 2021-22.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following items:

    1. Cereal grains hulled

    2. Chicken eggs cooked

    3. Fish processed and canned

    4. Newspapers containing advertising material

    Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Goods and Services Tax)?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Anti Defection Law

    Anti-Defection Law: Features, limitations and reforms

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Anti-Defection Law and its Features

    Why in the News?

    • Numerous examples in recent time exist in the history of Parliament and State Assemblies where MPs or MLAs have defected from their party.
      • These activities often led to the frequent falling of governments.

    What is Anti-Defection Law?

    • The 52nd Constitutional Amendment introduced the anti-defection law through the Tenth Schedule in 1985.
    • It aimed at tackling political defections destabilizing governments, especially after the 1967 general elections.
    • According to this Schedule, a member of the State Legislature or the House of Parliament who voluntarily resigns from their political party or abstains from voting in the House contrary to the party’s instruction may be removed from the House.
    • This voting instruction is issued by the party whip, a member of the parliamentary party nominated by the political party in the House.

    Process of Disqualification under Anti-Defection Law

    • Petition:
      • Any member of the House can initiate the process by filing a petition/complaint with the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha) alleging defection by another member.
      • The Presiding Officer CANNOT initiate disqualification proceedings suo moto and can only act upon a formal complaint.
    • Deciding Authority:
      • The Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, or the State Legislative Assembly decides disqualification petitions under the anti-defection law.
    • Timeframe:
      • The law does not specify a strict timeline for the decision, which has led to criticism due to potential delays.
    • Judicial Review:
      • The decision can be challenged in courts, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
      • The landmark judgment in Kihoto Hollohan vs. Zachillhu and Others (1992) upheld the constitutionality of the anti-defection law and affirmed that decisions regarding disqualification are subject to judicial review.
    • Exceptions:
      • No disqualification if 1/3rd members of the legislature party split to form a separate group (provision DELETED by the 91st Amendment in 2003).
      • Mergers of political parties are allowed when 2/3rd of the members of a legislative party agree to merge with another party.

    Three-Test Formula of the Supreme Court:

    • The Supreme Court in Sadiq Ali versus Election Commission of India (1971) laid down the three-test formula for recognizing the original political party:
    1. Test of Aims and Objectives of the party.
    2. Test of Party Constitution, which reflects inner-party democracy.
    3. Test of Majority in the legislative and organizational wings.

    Limitations of the Anti-Defection Law

    • Dictatorship of Party: The law has been criticized for undermining democratic principles by restricting legislators’ freedom of speech and making them more accountable to party leaders than their constituents.
    • Limited Political Choice: The law discriminates against independent members, disqualifying them immediately if they join a political party, while nominated members have a six-month grace period.
    • Partial Law: The law needs a more precise timeline for resolving defection cases. It allows large-group defections, fostering opportunistic mergers and “horse-trading”, destabilizing the political system.
    • Promotes Defection: It fails to address root causes like intra-party democracy, corruption, and electoral malpractices.

    Recommendations on Reforming the Law

    • Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990):
      • Disqualification should be limited to cases of voluntarily giving up membership or voting/abstention contrary to the party direction only in specific motions.
      • Decision on disqualification should be made by the President or Governor based on the advice of the Election Commission.
    • Law Commission of India (2015):
      • Proposed shifting the power to decide disqualification petitions from the Presiding Officer to the President or Governor based on the advice of the Election Commission.
    • Supreme Court in K. M. Singh v. Speaker of Manipur (2020):
      • Recommended transferring the Speaker’s decision-making authority over disqualification petitions to an independent tribunal presided over by judges.
    • Committee Led by Rahul Narwekar:
      • Announced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to review the nation’s anti-defection law.

    PYQ:

    [2022] With reference to anti-defection law in India, consider the following statements:

    1. The law specifies that a nominated legislator cannot join any political party within six months of being appointed to the House.
    2. The law does not provide any time-frame within which the presiding officer has to decide a defection case.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    [2013] The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention?

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  • J&K – The issues around the state

    [pib] PM marks 5 years of abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A)

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Articles 370 and 35(A)

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister recalled the Parliament’s 5-year-old decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35(A), calling it a watershed moment.

    About Articles 370 and 35(A) of the Indian Constitution

    [1] Article 370: 

    Description
    Provision Grants special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
    Nature Initially intended as a temporary provision, subject to eventual change or abrogation.
    Powers of State Allowed J&K to have its own Constitution and autonomy over internal matters except defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications.
    Presidential Order President of India could extend or modify the application of Indian laws to J&K with the concurrence of the state government.
    Autonomy Details Provides a degree of autonomy to the state and permits the state to give some special privileges to its “permanent residents”.
    Emergency Provisions Emergency provisions are not applicable to the state on the grounds of “internal disturbance” without the concurrence of the State.
    State Boundaries Name and boundaries of the State cannot be altered without the consent of its legislature.
    Separate Institutions State has its own constitution, a separate flag, and a separate penal code (Ranbir Penal Code).
    Assembly Duration Duration of the state’s Assembly is 6 years, unlike five in the rest of India.
    Parliamentary Jurisdiction
    • Indian Parliament can pass laws regarding J&K in the matters of defense, external affairs, and communication only.
    • Any other law formed by Union will only be applicable in J&K by presidential order if it concurs with the state assembly.
    Abolishment Condition President may, by public notification, declare that this Article shall cease to be operative but only on the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of the State.
    Abolishment In August 5, 2019, through a Presidential Order and a resolution passed by the Indian Parliament.
    Impact of Abrogation
    • J&K’s special status was revoked.
    • It was reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

     

    [2] Article 35A:  

    Description
    Provision Empowers the J&K legislature to define permanent residents of the state and provide them with special rights and privileges.
    Insertion Added to the Constitution through a Presidential Order in 1954.
    Permanent Residents Defined by the state as those who were state subjects on May 14, 1954, or have been residents for 10 years, and lawfully acquired immovable property.
    Special Rights Permanent residents were given exclusive rights to employment under the state government, acquisition of immovable property in the state, and scholarships.
    Constitutionality Debate Debated on the grounds that it was not added via an amendment procedure.
    Criticism Criticized for being discriminatory and creating a sense of separation from the rest of India.
    Revocation Along with Article 370, Article 35A was effectively nullified on August 5, 2019.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] To what extent is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, bearing marginal note “Temporary provision with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir”, temporary? Discuss The future prospects of this provision in the context of Indian polity.

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  • Coastal Zones Management and Regulations

    [pib] National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM)

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM)

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has expanded the National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM) to address the challenges posed by rising sea levels.

    About National Coastal Mission Scheme (NCM)

    • The NCM was launched in July 2014.
    • It aims to address the climate change impact on coastal areas and ensure sustainable development of coastal regions.
    • It is part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), focusing on sustainable development and climate resilience in coastal areas.
    • Key Areas:
      • Coastal protection
      • Conservation of coastal ecosystems
      • Development of sustainable livelihoods
      • Enhancing climate resilience
    • The MoEFCC, Government of India, is responsible for implementing the scheme.

    Key Strategies

    • Coastal Protection: Construction and maintenance of coastal protection infrastructure to prevent erosion and manage coastal disasters.
    • Ecosystem Conservation: Conservation and restoration of mangroves, coral reefs, and other critical coastal ecosystems.
    • Sustainable Livelihoods: Promotion of sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities through skill development and capacity building.
    • Climate Resilience: Improving the resilience of coastal communities and infrastructure to climate change impacts.

    Major Initiatives:

    1. Management Action Plan on Conservation of Mangroves and Coral Reefs
    2. Research & Development in Marine and Coastal ecosystem
    3. Sustainable Development of Beaches under Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service
    4. Capacity Building / Outreach Programme of Coastal States/UTs on conservation of marine and coastal ecosystem including beach cleaning drive.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?

    [2011] The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?

    (a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out.

    (b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster.

    (c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami.

    (d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.

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  • Wetland Conservation

    [pib] Bhoj Wetland

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Bhoj Wetland

    Why in the News?

    The Madhya Pradesh State Wetland Authority has reported that Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal is not at risk of being removed from the Ramsar Convention List of important international wetlands.

    About Bhoj Wetland

    • Bhoj Wetland is located in the center of Bhopal district in Madhya Pradesh.
    • The wetland includes two man-made lakes: the upper lake and the lower lake.
    • Since August 2002, they have been recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
    • The upper lake, created by King Bhoj in the 11th century, is one of the oldest large man-made lakes in central India.
      • It was formed by building an earthen dam across the Kolans River, which used to be a tributary of the Halali River.
      • Now, the upper part of the Kolans River and the Bhojtal drain into the Kaliasot River through a diversion channel.
      • Bhadbhada Dam, built in 1965, controls the outflow to the Kaliasot River.
    • The lower lake was created in 1794 by Nawab Chhote Khan to beautify the city.
      • It also has an earthen dam and drains into the Halali River through the lower part of the Kolans River, now called the Patra Drain.
      • Both the Kaliasot and Halali Rivers flow into the Betwa River.

    Significance of Bhoj Wetland

    • The upper lake provides 40% of Bhopal’s drinking water, while the lower lake supplies raw water and enhances the city’s beauty.
    • It supports over 700 species of plants and animals, including zooplankton and phytoplankton.
    • Both lakes are rich in biodiversity, supporting various fish species, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?

    (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

    (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)

    (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)

    (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)

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  • Tourism Sector

    [pib] Adopt a Heritage Scheme 2.0 

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Adopt a Heritage Scheme 2.0

    Why in the News?

    Under the Adopt a Heritage Scheme 2.0, 19 MoUs have been signed so far covering a total of 66 monuments.

    About Adopt a Heritage Scheme 2.0 

    Aspect Details
    Revamped version of the original Adopt a Heritage Scheme.

    Launched in 2023.
    Legal Framework Defined as per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR), 1958
    Application Process Stakeholders apply through a dedicated web portal listing available monuments for adoption
    Collaboration Encourages corporate stakeholders to contribute to monument preservation
    Term of Appointment Initially 5 years, extendable up to another five years
    Objective Foster collaboration for preservation of monuments for future generations
    Key Stakeholders Corporate stakeholders, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, ASI, State/UT governments
    Program Goal Develop and maintain amenities at heritage sites
    Initial Scheme
    • Launch Date: 27 September 2017 (World Tourism Day) by the President of India.
    • Collaborators: Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, ASI, and State/UT governments.
    • Objective: Address challenges in operations and maintenance of heritage sites, develop mechanisms for amenities provision.
    • Monument Mitras: Agencies/Companies become ‘Monument Mitras’ through ‘Vision Bidding’.
    Note: Red Fort was the first monument to be adopted under the scheme by the Dalmia Bharat group in 2019.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss.

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    Kerala requests Centre to declare Wayanad landslide as a – ‘National Disaster’

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Declaring a National Disaster

    Why in the News?

    • The Kerala government has requested the Centre to declare the landslide in Vythiri taluk, Wayanad district, as a national disaster.
      • The Central government is considering the legality of declaring the landslide a national disaster.

    Wayanad Landslide: Destruction and Casualties

    • The landslide, triggered by heavy rain, devastated at least three villages.
    • Kerala’s official death toll stands at 221, with over 200 people still missing.
    • Rescue workers continue to retrieve bodies and body parts from the mud and debris.
    • Approximately 9,000 people displaced by the disaster have taken refuge in government-run relief camps in Wayanad.

    Defining a Disaster:

    • A natural disaster includes natural events like earthquakes, floods, landslides, cyclones, tsunamis, urban floods, and heatwaves.
    • Man-made disasters can include nuclear, biological, and chemical incidents.
    • According to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, a disaster is defined as:
      • A catastrophe, mishap, calamity, or grave occurrence in any area arising from natural or man-made causes.
      • It results in substantial loss of life or human suffering, damage to or destruction of property, or environmental degradation.
      • The damage must be of such a nature or magnitude that it is beyond the coping capacity of the affected community.

    Is there any provision to declare a ‘National Disaster/Calamity’? 

    • There is NO provision under the existing guidelines to declare any disaster, including floods, as a national calamity.
    • The guidelines do NOT contemplate declaring a disaster as a National Calamity.

    Attempts to Define National Calamity:

    • National Committee (2001):
      • Chaired by the then Prime Minister, the committee was tasked with defining parameters for a national calamity.
      • The committee did not suggest any fixed criteria for such a declaration.
    • 10th Finance Commission (1995-2000):
      • It proposed that a disaster be termed “a national calamity of rarest severity” if it affects one-third of a state’s population.
      • It did not define “calamity of rare severity” but suggested that each case be adjudged individually.

    Response to such calamities in India

    • When a calamity is declared as such, support is provided at the national level.
    • The Centre considers additional assistance from the NDRF.
    • A Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) is established, with the corpus shared 3:1 between the Centre and the state.
    • If resources in the CRF are insufficient, additional assistance is considered from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF), funded entirely by the Centre.
    • Relief measures can include the repayment of loans or the provision of fresh loans to affected individuals on concessional terms.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.

     

    [2019] Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters.

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    [pib] INS SHALKI  

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: INS SHALKI

    Why in the News?

    • Indian Navy’s submarine INS Shalki, recently docked at Colombo Port on its two day visit to Sri Lanka.
      • This visit comes against the backdrop of China’s persistent attempts to enhance its strategic and military influence over the island nation.

    About INS SHALKI  

    • INS Shalki is a Shishumar class diesel-electric submarine, commissioned into the Indian Navy on 07 Feb 1992.
      • Shishumar class submarines are an Indian variant of the Type 209 submarines developed by the German yard Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft under the internal designation “Type 1500”.
    • This is the first ever submarine to be built in India.
    • It was constructed under licence by the Mazgaon Dock Limited, Mumbai.

    Significance of Sri Lanka Visit

    • India sends submarines to a handful of countries with whom it has close defence and strategic ties.
    • This is the third submarine to visit Sri Lanka after the visit of INS Vagir and INS Karanj in June 2023 and February 2024, respectively.
    • India has been expanding its defence and strategic ties with Sri Lanka amid concerns over China’s attempts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean.
    • Countering Chinese presence:
      • The docking of the Chinese missile and satellite tracking ship ‘Yuan Wang’ at Hambantota port in August 2022 had triggered a diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka.
      • Another Chinese warship docked at the Colombo port in August last year.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS):

    1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.

    2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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