Current Affairs

The Indian Navy has officially received its first indigenously built Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), named 'Samarthak' (meaning 'supporter'). Constructed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in Kattupalli, this versatile ship will serve as a crucial platform for maritime surveillance, offshore patrolling, and disaster relief operations.

A Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) is specially designed to undertake a wide variety of naval missions rather than being limited to a single combat role. The Indian Navy contracted two MPVs from L&T shipyard in Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu, to boost its auxiliary fleet. 'Samarthak' boasts over 75% indigenous content, showcasing India's growing self-reliance in warship building under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative. Besides regular patrolling, it will act as a specialized testing platform for new naval weapons, sensors, and equipment. This capability is vital for conducting deep-sea trials and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions without diverting frontline warships like destroyers or frigates from their primary combat duties.

GS3: Security (Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate), GS3: Science and Technology (Indigenization of Technology)

India recently participated in a joint Russia-India roundtable in Moscow to discuss the study and conservation of the endangered Snow Leopard. Highlighting its advanced science-based initiatives, India showcased its progress in population estimation, radio telemetry, and genetic analysis of this elusive big cat to foster global collaboration.

The Snow Leopard (*Panthera uncia*), often called the 'Ghost of the Mountains', is an apex predator found in the rugged alpine regions of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas. It plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance of these high-altitude habitats. Recognizing the transboundary nature of this species, the Moscow roundtable was organized under a strategic partnership between the Russian interregional association 'Irbis' and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). The Indian delegation, comprising officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), emphasized that traditional conservation is no longer enough. Modern scientific tools like DNA analysis and satellite radio-collaring are now essential to track their movement, understand their genetics, and protect them from climate change and poaching.

GS3: Environment (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment)

A Tecnam P2006T twin-engine training aircraft, operated by Garg Aviation Ltd, tragically crashed near the Ganga Barrage in Kanpur. The unfortunate accident resulted in the death of both the flight instructor and the trainee pilot onboard.

Aviation safety in India is strictly monitored by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the apex regulatory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. However, when serious accidents or crashes occur, the investigation is handed over to a specialized and independent body known as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Established in 2012 in accordance with international protocols, the AAIB ensures impartial inquiries into aircraft crashes. Its primary goal is not to fix blame, but to identify the root causes and suggest safety improvements to prevent future mishaps. The aircraft involved, the Tecnam P2006T, is an Italian-made light aircraft widely used by flight schools globally for multi-engine pilot training.

GS2: Governance (Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies), GS3: Disaster Management

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan recently unveiled a new book titled 'Sankalp Se Siddhi Ka Modi Yug', authored by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Ghanshyam Tiwari. The book captures India's transformative journey over the last decade, highlighting the shift from mere resolutions to concrete achievements in governance.

The phrase "Sankalp Se Siddhi" translates to "from resolution to attainment." It is a major governance theme emphasizing the realization of a fully developed India (Viksit Bharat) by the centenary of its independence in 2047. The book connects the profound philosophical ideals of iconic national thinkers like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee with modern-day policy execution. It describes the Prime Minister as a *'Setu Purush'* (a bridge-maker) who connects historical national dreams with present-day reality through targeted initiatives focused on national integrity, women-led development, and Antyodaya (welfare of the weakest).

GS2: Governance