Content

1. Sailing Towards Self-Reliance: The Indian Navy’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Journey
2. India’s Transition from Women’s Development to Women-Led Development

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Sailing Towards Self-Reliance: The Indian Navy’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Journey

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Why is this in News?

• Navy Day (4 December) highlights India’s maritime power, commemorating Operation Trident (1971).
• INS Mahe commissioned on 24 Nov 2025, adding to accelerated indigenous naval inductions.
• INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri commissioned in Aug 2025 as India’s 100th & 101st indigenous warships.
• Indian Naval budget doubled from ₹49,623 crore (2020–21) to ₹1,03,548 crore (2025–26).
• 51 large indigenous ships under construction (₹90,000 crore) signalling peak indigenous shipbuilding.
• Indigenisation ratios achieved: 90% (Float), 60% (Move), 50% (Fight).
• INIP 2015–2030 implementation enters mature phase.

Relevance:  

GS II – Governance

• Defence procurement reforms: DAP 2020, IDDM, Positive Indigenisation Lists.
• Innovation governance through NIIO, iDEX, SPRINT, SRIJAN.

GS III – Internal Security

• Maritime security, SLOC protection, anti-piracy, EEZ surveillance.
• Strengthening India’s naval deterrence and crisis-response capability.

GS III – Science & Technology

• Indigenous AIP, sonars, radars, EW systems, torpedoes, missiles.
• R&D ecosystem: DRDO–IIT–private sector collaboration.

Basics: Why Indigenisation Matters for a Navy

• Operational Autonomy
  Avoids foreign supply-chain disruptions during conflict, sanctions, or crises.
• Combat Readiness
  Reduces downtime, ensures assured spares, faster upgrades.
• Cost Efficiency & Lifecycle Control
  Domestic manufacturing lowers lifetime costs.
• Strategic Sovereignty
  Essential for a leading naval power in IOR.
• Industrial Growth
  Boosts MSMEs, shipyards, defence research, and high-tech manufacturing.
• Blue-Economy & SLOC Security
  India’s 90% trade volume, 80% critical freight moves by sea; naval indigenisation is economic security.

India’s Maritime Context: Why India Needs a Strong Indigenous Navy

• 11,098 km coastline; 2.4 million sq. km EEZ.
• 50% global trade & 40% oil flow through the Indo-Pacific.
• India’s own economy depends on coal, crude, iron ore, fertiliser imports.
• 3765 merchant vessels escorted in anti-piracy missions since 2008; 27,260 seafarers protected.
• Increasing roles:
  • EEZ surveillance
  • Anti-piracy
  • Maritime Domain Awareness
  • HADR missions
  • Protection of offshore assets
  • Cooperative security in IOR

INIP 2015–2030: Vision, Strategy, Outcomes

Objectives

• Indigenise equipment across Float, Move, Fight categories.
• Create an R&D + industry + DRDO collaborative ecosystem.
• List capability gaps & future requirements.
• Move from Buyer’s Navy → Builder’s Navy.

Key Recommendations

• Prioritise Buy Indian / Buy & Make Indian.
• Build domestic capabilities in propulsion, electronics, sensors, underwater systems.
• Absorb ToT, promote standardisation.
• Deep MSME integration.

Execution

• 5,000+ items identified for domestic sourcing.
• Major indigenisation of sonars, EW systems, UAVs, CMS, propulsion auxiliaries, submarine subsystems.

From Buyer’s Navy to Builder’s Navy: Structural Shift

• Over 100 indigenous warships built by Indian shipyards.
• Warship Design Bureau drives indigenous design.
• Navy–IIT partnerships accelerate materials, propulsion & hydrodynamics R&D.
• Swavlamban 3.0 (2023) lays roadmap for industry & academia collaboration.
• Private sector participation targeted to 50% or more.

Indigenisation Status

• Float systems: 90%
• Move systems: 60%
• Fight systems: 50% (key shortfall area—missiles, radars, advanced sensors)

Indigenous Surface Fleet: Major Achievements

51 Ships under Construction

Worth ₹90,000 crore, showcasing robust shipyard capability.

Flagship Projects

INS Vikrant (IAC-1)

• 76% indigenous content
• 30,000 tonnes of indigenous steel (SAIL)
• Symbol of large-platform self-reliance

Project-15B Visakhapatnam-class Destroyers

• INS Visakhapatnam (2021), INS Mormugao (2022), INS Imphal (2023), INS Surat (2025)
• Advanced air-defence & surface warfare capabilities

Project-17A Nilgiri-class Frigates (Stealth)

• INS Nilgiri, Himgiri, Udaygiri (all 2025)
• Taragiri delivered Nov 2025; Dunagiri, Vindhyagiri, Mahendragiri under construction

Survey Vessels (Large)

• Sandhayak (2024), Nirdeshak (2024), Ikshak (2025), Sanshodhak (under construction)

ASW Shallow Water Craft

• Arnala (2025), Androth (2025), Mahe (2025)
• 80% indigenous components

Submarine & Underwater Systems: Aatmanirbhar Progress

Project-75 Kalvari-class

Six conventional submarines:

• Kalvari (2017) → Vagsheer (2025)

Indigenous AIP (DRDO-NMRL)

• To be retrofitted on Kalvari-class
• Extends underwater endurance significantly

Indigenous Sonars & Underwater Sensors

• USHUS-2
• HUMSA NG/UG
• ABHAY
• ALTAS towed array
• AIDSS (submarine distress system)

Indicates deepening underwater warfare ecosystem.

Weapons & Combat Systems: Indigenisation Push

Missiles

• VL-SRSAM (2025)
• BrahMos (joint but high Indian content)

Torpedoes & Anti-Torpedo Systems

• Varunastra
• Maareech ATDS
• ALWT lightweight torpedo (trials complete)
• MIGM mines

EW & Combat Systems

• EW Suite Shakti
• ESM Varuna
• EW Sangraha

These systems replace legacy imports and strengthen fight component.

Aviation: Indigenous Shipborne Capabilities

• HAL ALH Dhruv Mk-III for shipborne roles (SAR, surveillance).
• 340+ Dhruvs produced; operated by Mauritius & Nepal → export footprint.
• Integration of indigenous radars & sensors on ALH Mk-III.

Shipyard Ecosystem & Industrial Base

Major Shipyards

• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL)
• Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
• Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL)

Industrial Integration

• BEL, BHEL, L&T, Kirloskar, Keltron
• Over 100 MSMEs supplying to INS Vikrant alone

Naval-grade Steel

• Developed jointly by DRDO + SAIL + Navy → strategic independence

Budgetary Trends: Sharp Rise in Naval Expenditure

Navy Budget Growth

• ₹49,623 crore → ₹1,03,548 crore (2020–21 to 2025–26)
• Share in defence budget: 15% → 21%

Capital Expenditure

• ₹26,688 crore → ₹62,546 crore
• Focus: submarines, surface combatants, naval aviation, undersea warfare

Revenue Spending

• ₹22,935 crore → ₹38,195 crore

Indicates sustained government push for maritime modernisation.

Policy Framework Driving Indigenisation

DAP 2020 & DPM 2025

• Prioritise Indian vendors
• Emphasise Buy Indian – IDDM

NIIO (2020)

• Connects Navy, startups, academia
• Accelerates technology adoption

SPRINT Challenges (2022– )

• Target: 75 new technologies
• Collaborations with 213 MSMEs & startups

iDEX (2018– )

• Up to ₹10 crore funding per innovation
• DISC challenges drive naval solutions

SRIJAN Portal

• 38,000 items listed; 14,000+ indigenised by Feb 2025

Positive Indigenisation Lists

• 5,500+ items barred from import
• 3,000 indigenised by Feb 2025

Conclusion: India’s Maritime Self-Reliance Trajectory

• 40+ indigenous ships delivered since 2014.
• New vessel inducted every 40 days in 2024–25.
• Navy transforming into a Builder’s Navy, not a Buyer’s Navy.
• Deepening synergy of industry–academia–research ecosystem.
• Enhances India’s status as IOR’s first responder and credible blue-water naval power.
• Supports strategic autonomy, industrial growth, and long-term maritime security.

“Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya” — Control over the sea is control over power.

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India’s Transition from Women’s Development to Women-Led Development

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Why is this in News?

• Government briefing in Rajya Sabha (Dec 2025) highlighted:
  • Shift from “women’s development” to “women-led development” as a national policy direction.
  • Implementation of all four Labour Codes from 21 Nov 2025 with major gender reforms.
  • Operationalisation of SHe-Box portal with expanded features in 22 languages.
  • Strengthened legal protections under BNS–BNSS–BSA (effective July 2024) for crimes against women.
  • Mission Shakti progress report including One Stop Centres, 181 helpline, BBBP, Sakhi Niwas, PMMVY, Palna, etc.
  • Massive increase in women’s participation in SHGs (10 crore members) and livelihood programmes.
  • New STEM-focused schemes and procurement mandates to boost women’s economic agency.

Relevance:

GS I – Society

• Gender empowerment, social change, SHG movement (10 crore women).
• BBBP, sanitary hygiene, behavioural transformation.

GS II – Polity & Governance

• Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (33% reservation).
• Labour Codes (gender-equal workplaces).
• Mission Shakti, SHe-Box, OSCs, 181 helpline.

Basics: What is Women-Led Development?

• A governance and development paradigm where women:
  • Lead economic decisions
  • Participate in political power structures
  • Direct community development
  • Are creators of economic and social value, not passive beneficiaries
• Central to SDG 5, but India’s model emphasises mainstreaming women in all dimensions of development.

Constitutional & Political Empowerment: Deep Structural Shift

Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 (106th Constitutional Amendment)

• 33% reservation for women in:
  • Lok Sabha
  • State Legislative Assemblies
  • Delhi Legislative Assembly
• Represents the largest political empowerment reform since independence.

Significance

• Increases descriptive and substantive representation.
• More women in policy, budgeting, lawmaking → accelerates women-led growth.

Labour Codes Implemented (21 Nov 2025): Gender-Transformative Provisions

Gender Equality at Work

• Equal pay mandated across sectors.
• Gender discrimination prohibited in recruitment and employment.
• Women allowed to work:
  • In all sectors, including those previously barred.
  • Night shifts, with consent + safety provisions.
  • Heavy machinery & underground mining, with safeguards.

Impact

• Expands labour force participation.
• Formalisation boosts wage equality, social security coverage, and mobility.

Workplace Safety Transformation: SHe-Box (National e-Platform)

Key Features

• Single-window portal for complaints under SH Act (2013).
• Automatically forwards complaints to relevant IC/LC.
• Public database of all workplace committees.
• Nodal officer for every organisation.
• Available in 22 languages for remote accessibility.

Significance

• Ensures compliance, accountability, and real-time monitoring.
• Reduces barriers for reporting harassment.

Criminal Justice Reforms: Stronger Legal Protections (BNS–BNSS–BSA)

Effective from 1 July 2024.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

• Chapter V consolidates offences against women & children.
• Key strengthened provisions:
  • Section 69: sexual intercourse on false promises (marriage/job/promotion).
  • Section 70: gang rape – enhanced punishment.
  • Section 99: buying children for prostitution – stricter minimum punishment.
  • Section 111: organised crime – includes trafficking networks.
  • Sections 75 & 79: expanded definition of sexual harassment.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)

• e-FIR & zero FIR for faster action.
• Witness Protection Schemes (Section 398).
• Victim-centric focus for prosecution & trial support.

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)

• Digital evidence expanded: emails, smartphone messages, voice recordings.
• Helps workplace sexual harassment cases under SHe-Box.

Social Empowerment: Mission Shakti Framework

Components

1. Sambal (Safety & Security)
   1. One Stop Centres (OSCs) nationwide for counselling, shelter, legal and medical support.
   1. 181 Women Helpline (24×7).
   1. BBBP—curb sex-selective practices + promote education & value of girl child.
2. Samarthya (Empowerment)
   1. PMMVY: Cash benefits via DBT for pregnant & lactating women.
   1. Sakhi Niwas: Safe accommodation for working women & students.
   1. Shakti Sadan: Shelter support for distressed women, trafficking survivors.
   1. Palna: Anganwadi-cum-crèche for increasing workforce participation.
   1. Hubs for Empowerment of Women: Address information gaps at national, state, district level.

Impact

• Integrated, ecosystem-based intervention across safety, welfare, and skilling.

Education, Health & Welfare: Life-Cycle Continuum Approach

Girl Education

• Samagra Shiksha + separate girls’ toilets → improved enrolment.
• Scholarships and low-cost sanitary napkins (Janaushadhi).
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: incentivised savings for girl child.

Health (Ayushman Bharat)

• 141 women-specific medical packages.
• Screening for 7 major conditions: TB, hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, cataract.
• 1.5 lakh Health & Wellness Centres operational.

Affordable Medicines

• 16,000+ Janaushadhi Kendras, including:
  • 40 women-specific items
  • Suvidha pads @ ₹1 per pad

Social Protection

• NSAP, APY, PMSBY, PMJJBY
• Insurances + pensions create safety net for widows, elderly, vulnerable women.

Economic Empowerment & Financial Inclusion

Livelihood Revolutions

• DAY-NRLM:
  • 90 lakh women SHGs
  • 10 crore women members
• Transformed rural entrepreneurship, micro-enterprises, credit access.
• NULM: urban livelihood support.

Credit & Enterprise Schemes

• PM MUDRA Yojana
• Stand-up India
• Start-up India
• PM SVANidhi
• Women constitute a majority of beneficiaries.

Public Procurement Preference

• 3% mandatory procurement from women-owned MSMEs.

Digital Skilling

• PMGDISHA, PMKVY, Skill India
• Faster integration into digital & formal economies.

Women in STEM & Knowledge Economy

Key Schemes

• Women Scientist Scheme
• Vigyan Jyoti
• Overseas Fellowship Scheme

Significance

• Addresses underrepresentation in high-tech sectors.
• Facilitates research careers, scholarships, mentorship, lab access.

Cultural Transformation: Gender-Inclusive Communication Guide (2023)

• Addresses linguistic bias.
• Promotes gender-neutral, inclusive communication norms.
• Enables behavioural change across media, institutions, workplaces.

Big Picture: Why This Indicates Women-Led Development

Institutional Level

• Constitutional reservation increases women’s leadership.
• Labour Codes formalise gender-equal workplaces.

Safety & Justice

• Stronger criminal laws + digital evidence + witness protection.

Economic Level

• SHGs → 10 crore members → world’s largest women’s cooperative movement.
• Livelihood + credit + procurement mandates enhance agency.

Health & Education

• Better maternal benefits, cancer screening, school access.

Governance

• Mission Shakti integrates safety, welfare, empowerment under one umbrella.

Digital Governance

• SHe-Box, e-FIR, digital evidence elevate access and accountability.

Conclusion: India at a Structural Turning Point

• India has moved beyond welfare-centric policies to agency-based development.
• Women are now decision-makers, entrepreneurs, legislators, and drivers of economic growth.
• This “women-led development” vision aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and transforms India’s socio-economic landscape.