''IKSHAK'' SET TO JOIN INDIAN NAVY FLEET, STRENGTHENING INDIGENOUS HYDROGRAPHIC EXCELLENCE The Indian Navy is set to bolster its hydrographic survey capabilities with the commissioning of INS Ikshak, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class and the first to be based at the Southern Naval Command. The commissioning ceremony will take place at the Naval Base, Kochi, on November 6, 2025, in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, Ikshak stands as a testament to India’s advancing self-reliance in shipbuilding. With over 80% indigenous content, the vessel reflects the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the strong collaboration between GRSE and Indian MSMEs. The name ‘Ikshak’, meaning ‘Guide’ in Sanskrit, aptly symbolises the ship’s role as a sentinel of precision and purpose. Designed to conduct comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels, the ship will generate critical data to ensure safe navigation and strengthen India’s maritime safety framework. Ikshak is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic systems, including a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs). The vessel also features a helicopter deck, enhancing its operational reach and versatility across multi-domain missions. The commissioning of Ikshak marks a major milestone in the Indian Navy’s drive to enhance its survey and charting infrastructure. As a symbol of indigenous strength, technological excellence, and maritime stewardship, Ikshak is ready to serve the nation—charting the unknown and safeguarding India’s vast maritime frontiers.

17TH INDIA AND ISRAEL JOINT WORKING GROUP MEETING ON DEFENCE COOPERATION HELD IN TEL AVIV The 17th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation between India and Israel was held in Tel Aviv on November 4, 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram, Director General, Israeli Ministry of Defence. During the meeting, both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation, providing a unified framework and strategic direction to further deepen the strong and evolving defence partnership between the two nations. The MoU outlines a broad spectrum of collaboration, encompassing strategic dialogues, training, defence industrial cooperation, and capability development. It also places a strong emphasis on Science & Technology, Research & Development, Technological Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security. The agreement aims to facilitate the sharing of advanced technologies while promoting co-development and co-production initiatives between Indian and Israeli defence industries. The JWG also reviewed ongoing bilateral defence engagements, noting that both nations have significantly benefited from each other’s technological strengths and operational experiences. Discussions covered future cooperation in emerging technologies, enhancement of operational capabilities, and joint efforts to address shared security challenges, including the fight against terrorism. The India–Israel defence partnership, built on deep mutual trust and shared strategic interests, continues to grow as a key pillar of the two countries’ comprehensive relationship, fostering innovation and resilience in the face of evolving global security challenges.

SEMIFINALS AND FINALS OF INDIAN NAVY QUIZ - THINQ 2025 The Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, is all set to host the Semifinals and Grand Finale of THINQ 25. The Indian Navy Quiz on November 4 and 5, 2025. Themed “MAHASAGAR”, this year’s edition celebrates India’s enduring maritime legacy, its strategic oceanic vision, and the nation’s deep-rooted connection with the seas. Reflecting the Indian Navy’s spirit of exploration, excellence, and commitment, THINQ 25 aims to nurture maritime awareness and curiosity among the youth. Following a series of nationwide regional rounds, 16 schools representing four zones — North, South, East, and West — have qualified for the semifinals. These 32 semifinalists will compete for the prestigious THINQ 25 Trophy, showcasing their knowledge, teamwork, and passion for learning. Participating Schools include: North Zone: K L International School – Meerut, Dewan Public School – Meerut, Dr Virendra Swarup Education Centre – Kanpur, St. Anthony’s Senior Secondary School – Udaipur South Zone: Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary School – Chennai, Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School – Chennai, Sainik School – Kodagu, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan – Kannur East Zone: DAV Public School Unit-8 – Bhubaneswar, Santragachi Kedarnath Institution – West Bengal, PM Shri JNV – Samastipur, Shiksha Niketan – Jharkhand West Zone: Cambridge Court High School – Jaipur, Jayshree Periwal High School – Jaipur, Subodh Public School – Jaipur, Spring Dale Senior School – Amritsar Under the theme “Charting India’s Maritime Mindscape”, THINQ 25 is designed to inspire young minds to explore India’s maritime traditions, naval capabilities, and the strategic importance of the oceans in shaping the nation’s future. The Semifinals and Grand Finale will be live-streamed on the Indian Navy’s official YouTube and Facebook pages, bringing the thrill and excitement of the competition from the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Kerala), to audiences across the nation. THINQ 25 stands as a flagship outreach initiative of the Indian Navy to engage, educate, and inspire the younger generation — steering them towards a deeper appreciation of India’s maritime domain and its pivotal role in the country’s growth and security.

DRDO LEADS THEMATIC SESSION ON ''ELECTRONICS AND SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING'' AT ESTIC 2025 The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively participating in the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from November 3 to 5, 2025. The event, themed ‘Viksit Bharat 2047 – Pioneering Sustainable Innovation, Technological Advancement, and Empowerment’, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on November 3, 2025. Jointly organised by 13 Ministries and Departments under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, the conclave serves as a platform for collaboration among scientists, industry leaders, researchers, and young innovators. During the inaugural session, the Prime Minister launched a ₹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme Fund to foster a robust, private sector-driven R&D ecosystem and accelerate India’s emergence as a global hub for science and technology. As one of the key organisers, DRDO is leading the thematic session on ‘Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing’. Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, will chair the Technical Session on November 5, 2025. Highlighting the vital role of semiconductors in modern technology—spanning healthcare, communication, transport, defence, and space—DRDO has made notable progress in developing indigenous semiconductor technologies, including 4-inch Silicon Carbide wafers and Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) up to 150W. Senior DRDO scientists participating in various panel discussions include Smt Suma Varughese, Distinguished Scientist & Director General (Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems & Cyber Systems); Dr Ramalingam Balamuralikrishnan, Director, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad; and Dr Somna Mahajan, Scientist-G, Solid State Physics Laboratory, Delhi. ESTIC 2025 brings together over 3,000 participants from academia, research institutions, industry, and government, along with Nobel laureates, eminent scientists, innovators, and policymakers. The deliberations span 11 key thematic areas, including Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Bio-Manufacturing, Blue Economy, Digital Communications, Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing, Emerging Agricultural Technologies, Energy, Environment & Climate, Health & Medical Technologies, Quantum Science & Technology, and Space Technologies.