GRSE Launches Indigenous ORV 'Sagar Manthan' for NCPOR under ₹4,077 Cr Deep Ocean Mission

₹840 Cr Indigenous Ocean Research Vessel 'Sagar Manthan' Launched for NCPOR under Deep Ocean Mission

India's indigenous ocean research vessel 'Sagar Manthan', built by GRSE for NCPOR under the Deep Ocean Mission, was launched in Kolkata. The ₹840 crore vessel, expected by early 2028, will significantly boost India's deep-sea exploration capabilities in the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Antarctic region, supporting blue economy goals.

Weekly UPSC Compilation: BRICS New Delhi Declaration, Swachh Vayu 2026 Rankings, Sagar Manthan Launch & More (Sept 7-13)

This week's UPSC current affairs compilation covers critical topics: BRICS New Delhi Declaration (India hosting, key outcomes), Swachh Vayu rankings 2026 (Lucknow tops), Sagar Manthan ORV launch, and more. Essential for Prelims facts and Mains analysis on environment, IR, defence, and culture.

Doppler Weather Radars: 51st DWR Inaugurated at Sambalpur Under Mission Mausam

India's 51st Doppler Weather Radar was inaugurated in Sambalpur, Odisha, boosting weather forecasting under Mission Mausam. This expansion enhances early warning systems for cyclones, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall, a core exam topic for disaster management and science-tech.

Parliamentary Panel Recommends Polar Ambassador and Full Arctic Council Membership for India

The Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs has recommended India appoint a Polar Ambassador and seek full-fledged membership of the Arctic Council. This signals India's transition from science-focused observer to strategic Arctic player, crucial for energy security, critical minerals, and new trade routes. The Arctic's melting is also directly linked to the Indian monsoon, making this a high-stakes geopolitical and climate issue.

ISRO's Oceansat-3 Captures Sharp Drop in Pacific Marine Productivity as El Niño Warms Ocean

ISRO's Oceansat-3 satellite has detected a sharp decline in chlorophyll-a in the equatorial Pacific Ocean during April-June 2026, linked to the developing El Niño. This reduction in marine productivity threatens the ocean food chain and serves as an early climate indicator ahead of a forecast strong El Niño event from September 2026 to February 2027.

Ministry of Mines Notifies 2 Offshore Mineral Blocks Near Great Nicobar for Polymetallic Nodules

India has notified two offshore mineral blocks near Great Nicobar Island for polymetallic nodule and crust exploration, strengthening its critical minerals push under the blue economy framework. This connects directly to the Deep Ocean Mission, Samudra Manthan scheme, UNCLOS, and India's strategic need for deep-sea mineral security. For exams, remember the Act, the minerals, the contracts, and the institutional framework.

Western Himalaya Warming 7.18°C by 2100, Snow Loss Triple Under High Emissions: Study

A new study reveals that the Western Himalaya is warming faster than the central and eastern parts, with winter temperatures projected to rise by over 7°C by 2100 under high emissions. This will lead to severe snow loss, threatening water security for 1.5 billion people dependent on glacier-fed rivers like the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra.

18th BRICS Summit New Delhi Declaration: RSSC Expansion, Space Debris, PAROS Working Group

The 18th BRICS Summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration, underscoring progress in expanding the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation (RSSC) to include new space agencies, strengthening space debris mitigation efforts, and advancing discussions on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) via an open-ended working group. This highlights deepening BRICS cooperation in space technology and security, a key area for UPSC International Relations and Science & Technology segments.