Breaking News: Government Updates on Key Developments (July 2, 2025)
The Indian Navy has strengthened its maritime capabilities with the commissioning of INS Tamal, the eighth multi-role stealth frigate under Project 1135.6 and the second of the Tushil-class ships. The frigate, equipped with advanced defence systems, was commissioned on July 1, 2025.
INS Tamal boasts sophisticated automated systems for nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) defence, advanced electronic warfare systems, network-centric capabilities, and a combat management system that integrates all weapons and sensors. The ship is capable of operating Kamov-28 ASW helicopters and Kamov-31 AEW helicopters, enhancing maritime domain awareness and ASW capability.
Meanwhile, INS Tabar, a Talwar-class stealth frigate, continues to provide extended support. Tabar is regularly deployed in Mission-Based Deployments (MBDs) for maritime security, Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR), and anti-piracy patrols in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
A significant digital transformation in Indian Railways’ passenger services was also marked on July 1, 2025, with the launch of the RailOne App. The all-in-one mobile application unifies and simplifies railway passenger services on a single platform. Key features include ticket booking, real-time train tracking, journey planning, PNR status and train enquiry, food ordering, complaint handling, user profile management, refund and booking history, and availability across platforms.
The RailOne app aims to provide a seamless, user-friendly, and comprehensive travel companion for millions of railway users in India. By consolidating ticketing, real-time tracking, food ordering, complaint management, and journey planning, passengers no longer need multiple apps, enhancing convenience and simplifying access.
On June 29, 2025, the Indian Navy conducted a firefighting and rescue operation aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Yi Cheng 6 in the North Arabian Sea. The operation upholds India's position as a "First Responder" in the IOR.
The P-17A project, which includes the construction of Udaygiri, a modern reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Udaygiri, has generated direct employment for about 4,000 individuals and indirect opportunities for over 10,000 more. This contributes to self-reliance, economic growth, and expansion of India's defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Udaygiri is equipped with a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system with controllable pitch propellers and an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). The weapons suite includes supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system, a 76mm main gun, and rapid-fire close-in weapon systems of 30mm and 12.7mm calibre.
The delivery of Udaygiri underlines India's growing Aatmanirbharata in defence production, with over 200 MSMEs supplying indigenous systems, and major weapons and sensors sourced from Indian OEMs. Future ships of the class will be built in India, boosting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
The operation reinforces the mission-based deployment strategy and commitment to the safety of Indian seafarers. Continuous temperature checks and monitoring are underway, and all 14 Indian crew members on board were reported safe. Seven crew members were evacuated early for safety and medical examination. The operation demonstrates the Indian Navy's humanitarian role and maritime responsiveness.
- The mains weapon suite of Udaygiri, a modern Indian Navy ship, includes supersonic surface-to-surface missiles.
- INS Tamal, a newly commissioned stealth frigate, is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems for science and technology.
- The P-17A project, which includes the construction of Udaygiri, has generated direct employment in business and economy.
- The Indian Railways has entered the realm of technology with the launch of RailOne App, a unified platform for personal-finance and ticket booking.
- The Indian Navy's strategy in health-and-wellness includes continuous temperature checks and monitoring on missions.
- Space-and-astronomy plays no role in the Indian Navy's operations, but it does in the business of satellite technology for navigation.
- INS Tabar's mission-based deployments in sports aren't apparent, but they extend to maritime security, HADR, and anti-piracy patrols. Investing in such deployments strengthens India's economy and security.
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