Operation Sankalp Context: The Indian Navy has deployed warships to escort Indian-flagged merchant vessels transiting through the Persian Gulf region. Three Indian Navy ships have escorted the Indian-flagged merchant ships Shivalik, Nanda Devi, and Jag Laadki from the Gulf of Oman after they crossed the Strait of Hormuz. The warships ensured the safe transit of vessels through vulnerable waters. The warships were operating in the region under Operation Sankalp, a mission aimed at safeguarding merchant shipping and protecting India’s maritime interests in the region. Launched in June 2019, Operation Sankalp ensures the safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels through critical sea lanes, and saw action, including during the Houthi attacks. Current Facts Diethylene glycol is commonly used as a solvent in the manufacture of resins, oils, and paints. Propylene glycol is the compound used as a solvent in liquid medications. Researchers have discovered a new species of earthworm, Drawida vazhania, in the Vazhani Dam area of the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in the Thrissur district of Kerala.
DEFENCE
Shtil Missile System Context: The Ministry of Defence signed defence agreements worth ₹5,083 crore to enhance maritime security. The deal includes procurement of Shtil surface-to-air missile system for frontline ships of the Indian Navy. Shtil Missile System Shtil is a naval surface-to-air missile (SAM) system installed on warships. It is designed to destroy aerial threats such as: Fighter aircraft, Helicopters, Anti-ship missiles and other airborne targets attacking naval vessels. The system provides medium-range air defence for ships operating at sea. Objective To improve the multi-layered air defence network of naval forces. To ensure quick-response protection for warships against several types of aerial threats, particularly in sensitive maritime regions. Major Features Medium-range missile system capable of targeting aircraft, UAVs, and anti-ship missiles. Equipped with a Vertical Launch System (VLS) that enables missiles to be launched rapidly in any direction without rotating launchers. All-weather capability, allowing operations both day and night in complex sea conditions. Fast reaction time for intercepting incoming threats. Integrated with naval radar and fire-control systems for accurate detection and targeting. Operation Sankalp Context: Due to rising tensions in West Asia, warships of the Indian Navy deployed under Operation Sankalp have been kept ready to conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions if required. Operation Sankalp (meaning commitment in Sanskrit) is a maritime security operation launched by India. It aims to protect Indian-flagged merchant ships and support stability in the Indian Ocean Region. Objectives of Operation Sankalp To ensure the safe movement of Indian commercial ships through strategic sea routes such as: Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman To counter piracy and maritime threats in the Indian Ocean Region. To protect India’s maritime trade and energy supplies, particularly oil imports, from potential risks and unconventional attacks.
