Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR Context: The second edition of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR has been launched recently as part of India’s maritime outreach efforts. It is led by the Indian Navy to tackle shared maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including piracy and illegal fishing. Naval personnel from 16 countries are taking part under the framework of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). India has deployed INS Sunayna, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, for conducting the initiative. The initiative enhances maritime cooperation, coordination, and interoperability among participating nations, aligning with India’s SAGAR and MAHASAGAR visions. INS Taragiri Context: The indigenously built stealth warship, INS Taragiri, is scheduled to be commissioned into the Indian Navy on April 3rd. INS Taragiri the fourth vessel in the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) series of warships was delivered to the Navy on November 28th of last year. It was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. The ship weighs approximately 6,670 tons. It incorporates modern technologies such as a stealth (low-observability) design, high speed, automated systems, and multi-role naval operational capabilities. Furthermore, the ship is equipped with: Supersonic missiles capable of striking surface targets Medium-range missiles designed to engage aerial targets Specialized systems for countering submarines. Current Facts The Dinesh Goswami Committee on electoral reforms, set up in 1990, did not favour compulsory voting, citing practical difficulties in implementation. Instead, it recommended improving voter participation through awareness campaigns. India was placed 102nd in the 2025 Global Hunger Index (GHI). Although the Public Distribution System (PDS) reaches more than 80 crore people, the rate of child wasting remains high at 18.7%, making it the second-highest in the world. Chapchar Kut is Mizoram’s biggest spring festival and is widely known as the Mizo ‘festival of joy’. Heat stroke is a life-threatening…
DEFENCE
INS Taragiri Context: India’s newest homegrown stealth frigate INS Taragiri will join the Indian Navy’s fleet along the eastern seaboard in Visakhapatnam. INS Targiri is the fourth Niligiri-class ship under project 17A. The P-17A frigates are among India’s most advanced warships, built using integrated modular construction. INS Taragiri and her sister ships carry a wide range of weapons, including the BrahMos supersonic misile, Barak-8 long range surface to air missile system, 76mm naval guns built under licence and torpedoes for antisubmarine operations. The frigates are fitted with the hull mounted sonar advanced next generation (HUMSA-NG), developed by Bharat Electronics Limited. Current Facts Through the 106th Amendment to the Constitution (2023), a law was enacted providing for a 33% reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. This legislation is known as the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.” Part XV, Article 324(5) Subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, the conditions of service and tenure of office of the Election Commissioners and the Regional Commissioners shall be such as the President may by rule determine: Provided that the Chief Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court and the conditions of service of the Chief Election Commissioner shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment: Provided further that any other Election Commissioner or a Regional Commissioner shall not be removed from office except on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
