Delivery of INS Mangrol to Navy

Article Summary

INS Mangrol: The third of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft (ASW SWC) delivered to the Indian Navy.
Manufacturer: Indigenously designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
Delivery: Protocol signed by Harikrishnan S. (Director, Operations, CSL) and Commander U. Sharan Kumar (Commanding Officer, INS Mangrol).
Naming: The vessel is named after Mangrol, a coastal township in Gujarat.
Technology Features:
- Equipped with modern systems including lightweight torpedoes.
- Indigenous ASW rockets.
- Advanced shallow-water sonars.
Significance: Enhances the Indian Navy's capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, contributing to national defense and maritime security.

This development aligns with India's broader defense policy emphasizing indigenous production and technological advancement in military capabilities.

Key Terms & Concepts

INS Mangrol	Anti-submarine warfare vessel
Cochin Shipyard Limited	Manufacturer of INS Mangrol
Gujarat	Location of vessel's namesake
lightweight torpedoes	Weapon system on board
indigenous ASW rockets	Weapon system on board
advanced shallow-water sonars	Detection system on board
August 22, 2026	Delivery date of the vessel

Article Summary

INS Mangrol: The third of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft (ASW SWC) delivered to the Indian Navy.
Manufacturer: Indigenously designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
Delivery: Protocol signed by Harikrishnan S. (Director, Operations, CSL) and Commander U. Sharan Kumar (Commanding Officer, INS Mangrol).
Naming: The vessel is named after Mangrol, a coastal township in Gujarat.
Technology Features:
- Equipped with modern systems including lightweight torpedoes.
- Indigenous ASW rockets.
- Advanced shallow-water sonars.
Significance: Enhances the Indian Navy's capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, contributing to national defense and maritime security.

This development aligns with India's broader defense policy emphasizing indigenous production and technological advancement in military capabilities.

Key Terms & Concepts

INS Mangrol	Anti-submarine warfare vessel
Cochin Shipyard Limited	Manufacturer of INS Mangrol
Gujarat	Location of vessel's namesake
lightweight torpedoes	Weapon system on board
indigenous ASW rockets	Weapon system on board
advanced shallow-water sonars	Detection system on board
August 22, 2026	Delivery date of the vessel

Defence Sector Updates - Key Points

Government Priorities and Initiatives:

The Indian government prioritizes modernizing armed forces and creating a self-reliant defence sector.
Strategic initiatives such as ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ have been fundamental in transforming the defence production landscape.

Statistics and Data:

Defence Production Growth: Increased from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, a nearly four-fold increase.
- Public Sector: 76% of production.
- Private Sector: 24% of production.
Defence Exports: Rose from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26, indicating an increase of over 5,500%.
- Total of 145 defence exporters supplying products to over 80 countries.
Defence Export Target: Government aims to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Defence Budget Growth: Increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹7.85 lakh crore for 2026-27.
- Capital expenditure set at ₹2.19 lakh crore.
R&D Allocation: Increased by 90% to ₹29,100 crore.

Judicial and Procurement Reforms:

Recently, the Defence Acquisition Council approved projects worth over ₹8.75 lakh crore.
Reforms in procurement processes include:
- Doubling financial powers of field commanders.
- Facilitation of over ₹1.25 lakh crore procurement through revenue routes to promote indigenisation.

Technological Achievements:

Successful trials of several advanced military systems including:
- Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation System.
- MIRV-equipped Advanced Agni missile.
- Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile.
- RudraM-II Missile.
- Naval Anti-Ship Missile-SR.
- Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket.
Successful test of a hypersonic missile technology featuring an active-cooled full-scale scramjet combustor operational for over 1,200 seconds.
The first successful test of the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile.

Social and Infrastructure Initiatives:

Focus on border infrastructure development.
Welfare programs for serving and retired personnel.
Enhanced participation of women in the armed forces, evidenced by the commissioning of the** first batch of women cadets** from the National Defence Academy.
Recognition of the all-women tri-service circumnavigation expedition, ‘Samudra Pradakshina’.

Cultural Milestone:

2026 marks 150 years since the composition of ‘Vande Mataram’; a call to celebrate national pride and contribute toward nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

This summary encapsulates the significant developments in India’s defence sector, reflecting the government's strategic focus on self-reliance, modernization, and international competitiveness.

Exam-Focused Notes on the Proposed Cement Plant and Limestone Mining Project in Meghalaya

Project Overview:
- Integrated cement plant and limestone mining project proposed by Shree Cement Limited.
- Project cost: ₹1,800 crore.
- Location: Lum Syrman area, East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya.
- Area involved: 217.394 hectares.
Stakeholder Concerns:
- Opposition from local stakeholders has led to the cancellation of public hearings since May.
- The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) has demanded government intervention to ensure the protection of landowners' and farmers' rights.
Rights and Legal Context:
- The JNC emphasizes the need to protect customary, possession, cultivation, and user rights of landowners from Sutnga and Nongkhlieh Elakas (traditional administrative units).
- The organization argues that land issues should not be treated merely as environmental or industrial clearance matters but must consider local community rights.
Government Accountability:
- A 10-day deadline set by the JNC for the Meghalaya government to address their demands.
- Calls for a transparent verification process of revenue, registration, and customary rights before proceeding with the project.
- The JNC asserts that livelihoods of farmers must not be overlooked in favor of mineral development.
Compensation and Rights:
- The JNC demands fair and lawful compensation for any loss resulting from the project, contingent on the identification of legal and customary rights.
- Concerns raised about the state government allegedly favoring cement companies, including blocking local residents from participating in public hearings.
Constitutional and Legal Framework:
- Relevant constitutional articles that could be referenced include:
  - Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty, which can be interpreted to include the right to livelihood.
  - Article 39 (a): Directive Principle of State Policy advocating for the right to an adequate means of livelihood for all citizens.
- Traditional rights and local governance structures recognized under various state laws and customs.
Judicial Precedents:
- The Supreme Court and High Courts in India have previously ruled on matters concerning land acquisition, local community rights, and the need for environmental clearances, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder participation in projects affecting local communities.
Environmental and Economic Implications:
- The project has raised environmental concerns which necessitate a thorough environmental impact assessment (EIA) before any approvals.
- Economic benefits from the project must be weighed against potential social and environmental costs.
Conclusion:
- The JNC’s stance reflects a broader issue of balancing development with community rights and environmental sustainability.
- The outcome of this situation may set a precedent for future projects in similar contexts across India, highlighting the need for transparent governance and accountability in resource management.

This summary encapsulates the critical aspects of the proposed project, stakeholder concerns, constitutional references, and the need for fair compensation and rights protection for local communities.

Delivery of INS Mangrol to Navy

Article Summary

Key Terms & Concepts

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Delivery of INS Mangrol to Navy

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Mind Map for UPSC Civil Services Revision

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Indigenous Rights and Mining Controversy

Additional Information:

Relevant Constitutional and Policy References: