Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 12 September 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The Indian Navy on September 9, 2024, launched two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow water crafts, named Malpe and Mulki, at Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) in Kochi. These vessels, part of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft project, are the fourth and fifth ships to be launched under the program, which was initiated through a contract signed between the Indian Ministry of Defence and CSL on April 30, 2019.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the launch, stating, “Malpe and Mulki, fourth and fifth ships of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft project, being built by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd, for the Indian Navy, were launched on 09 Sep 24 at CSL, Kochi.”
Part of India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' Drive
The project is part of India’s broader 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign defense imports. Over 80% of the content used in building these ships is indigenous, reflecting India’s growing expertise in domestic defense manufacturing. The Ministry highlighted this milestone, stating that the launch showcases "our strides in indigenous shipbuilding, towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat."
The indigenous content not only contributes to self-reliance but also boosts national manufacturing capabilities and job creation in the defense sector. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that this expansion in domestic defense production will have a ripple effect on various sectors of the economy.
Capabilities and Specifications of the Vessels
The newly launched ships, Malpe and Mulki, are designed to enhance India’s coastal defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. They are equipped with advanced, locally developed underwater sensors designed to detect enemy submarines and other underwater threats. The vessels are capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine-laying activities.
The ships measure 78 meters in length and displace around 900 tons. They can achieve speeds of up to 25 knots and have an endurance of 1,800 nautical miles, enabling them to cover vast areas of coastal waters efficiently. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that these vessels are part of a larger effort to improve the Indian Navy’s coastal defense strategy. "The addition of these ships will significantly improve India’s capability in coastal shallow water anti-submarine warfare," the Navy stated.
Legacy and Symbolism Behind Ship Names
The vessels are named after two important ports along India's coastline—Malpe and Mulki—continuing the Navy's tradition of naming such crafts after strategically significant ports. This naming tradition is intended to honor the legacy of their namesake minesweepers, further linking the vessels to India’s rich maritime history. These ships are part of the Mahe-class, which aims to carry on the legacy of the erstwhile minesweepers used by the Indian Navy for coastal defense in previous decades.
Launch Ceremony: Vice Admiral's Presence and Ceremony Details
The launch event was attended by Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of the Southern Naval Command. The Navy reported that the ships were launched in a traditional ceremony, in keeping with Indian maritime customs. The Navy stated, “In keeping with the maritime traditions, the two ships were launched by Mrs Vijaya Srinivas in the presence of Vice Admiral V Srinivas.”
This event further highlights India’s commitment to developing its maritime defense capabilities as it faces evolving threats in its coastal waters.
The project to build eight shallow water ASW crafts was first signed in April 2019, with contracts divided equally between Cochin Shipyard Ltd. and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Originally, the delivery of these vessels was scheduled to begin in October 2022, with two ships per year from each shipyard. However, delays pushed the project timeline back, and the recent launches of Malpe and Mulki demonstrate a renewed focus on meeting defense production targets.
These delays did not hinder the Ministry of Defence from reaffirming the importance of this project in strengthening India's naval capabilities. With the launch of these vessels, the Navy is now one step closer to fulfilling its planned modernization goals.
India’s Growing Defense Ambitions
Alongside the launch of Malpe and Mulki, a significant development took place in India’s defense strategy. On the same day, during a Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meeting, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan unveiled India’s Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations. According to the Ministry of Defence, the doctrine “will provide guidance for conduct of Amphibious Operations in the complex military environment.” This is a further indication of India’s focus on enhancing its overall military readiness in different operational areas, from coastal defense to amphibious warfare.
The launch of Malpe and Mulki reflects India’s commitment to building a self-sufficient defense sector while boosting its naval capabilities. As the ships enter service, they are expected to play a key role in bolstering India's shallow water anti-submarine warfare capacity. Through initiatives like the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' program, India continues to move toward becoming a more self-reliant and capable global power in defense production and maritime security.
[Excerpt from The Economic Times "India Launches Malpe and Mulki Anti-Submarine Warfare Ships" Dated 12/09/24]

Q1: What are the names of the two new ships launched by the Indian Navy as part of its Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Crafts project?
(a) Arihant and Arighaat
(b) Malpe and Mulki
(c) Vikram and Pragyan
(d) Kolkata and Chennai

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Q2: Where were the ASW ships Malpe and Mulki launched?
(a) Mazagon Dock
(b) Cochin Shipyard Ltd
(c) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
(d) Goa Shipyard Ltd

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Q3: What is the main role of the ASW Shallow Water Craft ships like Malpe and Mulki?
(a) Long-range missile deployment
(b) Anti-submarine operations in shallow coastal waters
(c) Aircraft carrier escort
(d) Deep-sea exploration

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Q4: How many Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts are planned to be built under the current project?
(a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 8
(d) 10

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Q5: What speed can the ASW Shallow Water Crafts reach?
(a) 15 knots
(b) 20 knots
(c) 25 knots
(d) 30 knots

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