PIB Summary - 7th June 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

UMEED Central Portal

Context and Objective

Launched by: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on 6th June 2025 in New Delhi.
Developed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, 1995.
Aims to digitize, streamline, and democratize Waqf property governance across India.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance )

Purpose and Significance

Key Features of the UMEED Portal

• Real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties.
• Geo-tagging of all Waqf assets to create a digital inventory.
• Integration with GIS and e-Governance tools for better decision-making.
• Transparent leasing and usage tracking to prevent misuse.
• Online grievance redressal mechanism for public accountability.
• Public access to verified records and periodic reports.

Statements from Key Dignitaries

• Kiren Rijiju. Portal is a “new chapter. in Waqf governance; reflects the intent to ensure equity, utility, and justice in Waqf asset use.
• George Kurian (MoS). Calls it a long-awaited reform. will curb misuse and empower community oversight.
• Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar (Secretary, Minority Affairs). Portal will be the “backbone of digital Waqf governance” and facilitate education, healthcare, and livelihoods.

Expected Impact

•  Strengthens digital governance and transparency in religious endowments. 
•  Promotes public accountability and stakeholder participation. 
•  Ensures Waqf properties are used for their intended social and welfare purposes. 
•  Empowers local communities and disadvantaged groups, especially within the Muslim population. 

INS ARNALA

Introduction

• The INS Arnala is the first ship of its kind, designed for anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters. It's built for coastal defense and monitoring underwater activities.
• This ship is a significant step towards India's goal of being self-reliant in defense, as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Relevance: GS 3 (Defence)

Event Overview

• Commissioning Date: The INS Arnala is set to be officially commissioned into service on 18 June 2025.
• Location: The commissioning ceremony will take place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.
• Series Introduction: INS Arnala is the first ship in a series of 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) that will be inducted into the Indian Navy.
• Ceremony Details: The commissioning ceremony will be led by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, and hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar.

Manufacturing and Design

• Shipbuilder: The INS Arnala was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) located in Kolkata.
• Public-Private Partnership: The ship was constructed in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• Delivery: The ship was delivered to the Indian Navy on 08 May 2025.
• Oversight: The construction was overseen by the Directorate of Ship Production and Warship Overseeing Teams based in Kolkata and Kattupalli.

Symbolism and Heritage

• Name Significance: The ship is named after Arnala Fort, located off the coast of Vasai in Maharashtra. This fort is known for its historical importance in maritime defense and resilience against adversities.
• Heritage Blend: The name and purpose of the ship reflect a combination of India’s rich naval history and its contemporary defense capabilities.

Indigenous Content and Industry Impact

• Indigenous Content: The ship is built with over 80% indigenous content, showcasing India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
• Major Suppliers: Key systems integrated into the ship are from prominent Indian defense companies, including:
  • Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
  • L&T (Larsen & Toubro)
  • Mahindra Defence
  • MEIL (M/s Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd)
• MSME Engagement: The project involved over 55 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), fostering the domestic defense manufacturing sector and supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Technical Specifications

• Length: The ship measures 77.6 metres in length.
• Displacement: Its displacement is approximately 1490 tonnes.
• Propulsion: The ship features a Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination for propulsion, making it the largest Indian Naval warship with this configuration.
• Capabilities: The INS Arnala is equipped for various operations, including:
  • Subsurface Surveillance
  • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
  • Search and Rescue (SAR)
  • Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)

Strategic and National Importance

• Coastal Defence: The INS Arnala will significantly enhance India’s coastal defense capabilities and littoral security, safeguarding maritime interests. 
• Indian Ocean Region (IOR): The ship contributes to India’s strategic presence and operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, a vital area for national security and maritime trade. 
• Self-Reliance in Shipbuilding: The commissioning of INS Arnala exemplifies India’s self-reliance in advanced naval shipbuilding and technology. 
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The project aligns with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, promoting indigenous production and technological advancement in defense. 
• Maritime Security: The ship plays a crucial role in enhancing India’s maritime security framework, addressing various maritime challenges effectively.