1. Indian Coast Guard Launches Advanced Fast Patrol Vessels

On 24th October 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) achieved a major milestone in strengthening India’s maritime security with the launch of two advanced Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) — ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit — at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

Key Points

Indigenous Development: The vessels are the seventh and eighth in a series of eight indigenously built FPVs by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.
Design and Features: Entirely designed and developed by GSL, each FPV is 52 metres long, displaces 320 tonnes, and is equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) — the first of their kind in this class of ships in India — ensuring superior manoeuvrability and propulsion efficiency.
Operational Roles: The FPVs are built for multi-mission roles, including fisheries protection, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search and rescue operations, particularly around India’s island territories and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The workshop, being held on October 27–28 at LBSNAA’s B N Yugandhar Centre for Rural Studies (BNYCRS), aims to enhance the administrative, technical, and legal preparedness of officers for the nationwide rollout of the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) programme.
The NAKSHA initiative seeks to revolutionize the management of urban land records by using geospatial mapping and digital survey technologies, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in land governance.

Satish Shah, born on June 25, 1951, in Bombay (now Mumbai), completed his graduation from St. Xavier’s College and later pursued acting at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
His acting journey began in the late 1970s, where he initially appeared in supporting roles in Hindi films, gradually establishing himself as a versatile performer known for his effortless comic timing and expressive acting.
Shah rose to prominence with his cult-classic performance in the 1983 satirical film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, which remains one of the most celebrated comedies in Indian cinema.
Over the years, he became a familiar face in mainstream Bollywood, with memorable roles in films.

The four-day event will see the participation of 124 countries, reaffirming the global commitment to achieving affordable and sustainable solar energy for all.
The Assembly will serve as a platform for member nations to review progress, identify challenges, and align strategies toward a shared vision of universal solar access and energy equity.
India, as the host nation and a founding member of the ISA, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing solar energy adoption, reflecting its long-standing leadership in global climate action.
India has already achieved a major milestone of generating 50% of its total installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, accomplishing this feat five years ahead of its national target.
With rapid advancements in renewable capacity, India is now the world’s third-largest solar energy producer and the second-largest market for renewable energy growth, showcasing its leadership in sustainable energy transition.

Key Points

Timor-Leste’s Inclusion: The Prime Minister congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming the 11th member of ASEAN and extended India’s support for its human development.
ASEAN Centrality: PM reiterated India’s commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality, and welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
New Initiatives: Announced the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026–2030), adoption of the Joint Leaders’ Statement on Sustainable Tourism, and designation of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
Defence and Security: Proposed the Second ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting and Second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise to promote an open, secure Indo-Pacific.
Disaster Preparedness & Renewable Energy: Reaffirmed India’s role as a First Responder in regional crises, announced training for 400 professionals in renewable energy, and support for the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.
Cultural and Educational Cooperation: Proposed establishing a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University and announced the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival to be held at Lothal, Gujarat.