Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) organised the 8th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Ocean Polar Science and Technology (OPST) in Goa. The meeting was hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).

About National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) was established as an autonomous Research and Development institution on 25 May 1998.

It was formerly known as the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR).

NCPOR has been at the forefront of India's scientific expeditions and research programmes in the Polar Regions and the Southern Ocean.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, is the nodal ministry associated with NCPOR.

Its headquarters are located at Vasco da Gama, Goa.

Functions of NCPOR

Coordination of Indian Antarctic Programme

NCPOR is designated as the nodal organisation for coordinating and implementing the Indian Antarctic Programme. It is also responsible for conducting polar expeditions and research activities in the Antarctic, Arctic, Southern Ocean and Himalayan regions.

Strategic Ocean and Polar Projects

NCPOR undertakes strategically important projects related to India's ocean and polar research.

These include mapping of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), continental shelf surveys and activities associated with the Deep Ocean Mission.

Indian Research Stations

NCPOR has established and operationalised India's permanent research stations in different polar regions.

Antarctica

India has established three major research stations in Antarctica:

DakshinGangotri, Maitri and Bharati.

Arctic

In the Arctic, India operates the research station Himadri.

Himalayas

NCPOR has also established the Himansh research station in the Himalayan region.

Why in News?

The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) has emerged as one of India’s major livestock health interventions, with a strong focus on vaccination, disease control and data-driven surveillance.

About National Animal Disease Control Programme

The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is one of India’s largest livestock health initiatives. It was launched in 2019 with the objective of controlling and ultimately eradicating major livestock diseases, particularly Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis.

It is a Central Sector Scheme, under which 100% of the funds are provided by the Central Government to the States and Union Territories.

The programme focuses on nationwide vaccination and disease surveillance to reduce the economic and livelihood losses caused by these diseases.

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is the nodal department for the programme.

Vaccination Targets under NADCP

The programme aims to achieve 100% vaccination of livestock against Foot and Mouth Disease twice every year.

For Brucellosis, the programme provides for one-time vaccination of female bovine calves between 4 and 8 months of age during their lifetime.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

What is FMD?

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals.

It can affect animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs.

The disease can have significant economic consequences for livestock-dependent communities. It can result in reduced milk yield, decreased growth rate, infertility and reduced working capacity of bullocks.

Brucellosis

What is Brucellosis?

Brucellosis is a reproductive disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus.

The disease is characterised by fever, abortion during the later stage of pregnancy, infertility, delayed heat and interrupted lactation.

These effects can result in loss of calves and reduced production of meat and milk, causing economic losses to livestock owners.

Control of Brucellosis

Under the NADCP, Brucellosis can be controlled through once-in-a-lifetime vaccination of female bovine calves between 4 and 8 months of age.

Why in News?

INS Mangrol, the third of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was recently delivered to the Indian Navy.

The vessel has been indigenously designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), reflecting India's growing capabilities in indigenous warship construction.

About INS Mangrol

INS Mangrol is an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) of the Indian Navy. It is the third of the eight ASW SWCs being indigenously designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).

The vessel has been primarily designed to conduct anti-submarine warfare operations in shallow coastal waters, where detecting and tracking submarines can be particularly challenging.

Operational Capabilities

INS Mangrol is equipped to perform several maritime security and naval operations. Apart from anti-submarine warfare, it can undertake underwater surveillance, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO).

The warship also possesses mine-laying capabilities, allowing it to undertake additional maritime warfare tasks.

Name and Significance

The warship has been named ‘Mangrol’ after the historic and strategically significant coastal township of Mangrol in Gujarat’s Surat district.

Features of ASW Shallow Water Craft

The ASW SWC ships are approximately 78 metres long and have a displacement of around 900 tonnes. They can achieve a maximum speed of approximately 25 knots.

The vessels are powered by a Diesel Engine–Waterjet Propulsion system, which is suitable for operations in shallow coastal waters.

Weapons and Sensors

INS Mangrol is equipped with advanced systems designed for anti-submarine warfare. These include lightweight torpedoes, indigenous anti-submarine warfare rockets and shallow-water sonars.

The combination of sonar systems and anti-submarine weapons enables the vessel to detect, track and engage underwater threats in coastal waters.

Indigenous Content

The ASW SWC has more than 80% indigenous content, highlighting the emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence production and the increasing role of Indian shipyards and defence industries in naval construction.

Classification by DNV

The vessel has been designed and constructed in accordance with the classification rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

DNV is a leading international classification society and a recognised advisor to the maritime industry.