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

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

India launched its indigenous ocean research vessel 'Sagar Manthan' on Sep 9, 2026, built by GRSE for NCPOR under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This vessel fills a critical gap in India's aging research fleet, ending dependence on foreign ships for deep-sea mineral exploration. It directly supports the ₹4,077 crore Deep Ocean Mission and strengthens India's blue economy and strategic underwater domain awareness.

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.

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.

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.

National Green Hydrogen Mission: 400-500 Buses/Trucks by 2030, Trials on 20 Highways

India's National Green Hydrogen Mission targets 400-500 hydrogen-fuelled heavy-duty buses and trucks by 2030. To achieve this, 70 vehicles have been sanctioned for trials across 20 highways, with the goal of achieving operating cost parity with diesel in 2-3 years.

DAE Proposes Reducing Land Need for 220 MWe Nuclear Reactors to 90 Hectares

The Department of Atomic Energy informed Parliament that land requirement for 220 MWe small nuclear reactors could be reduced from 330 hectares to about 90 hectares, subject to radiological impact assessment. This is part of India's push for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and opening the nuclear sector to private participation, with exclusion zones also proposed to be relaxed. The move is critical for energy security and decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries.

NALCO Sets Up Pilot Plants in Odisha for Rare Earth Recovery from Fly Ash & Red Mud - Critical Minerals Security

India moves towards self-reliance in rare earth elements (REE) critical for defence, electronics, and renewable energy. NALCO's indigenous pilot plants in Odisha recover REE from fly ash and red mud, reducing import dependence and advancing circular economy goals.

Cabinet Clears PM-SSY: ₹5,070 Cr for 5,000 MW Floating Solar with Mandatory Storage

The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) to build 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity on India's reservoirs with a ₹5,070 crore outlay. Each project must include a 2-hour energy storage system, addressing both land scarcity and grid curtailment issues. This is a high-exam-relevance scheme linking energy transition, climate pledges (500 GW non-fossil by 2030), and decentralized solar deployment.