State PCS - Uttarakhand (UKPSC)

• 06 Nov 2025

Indian Navy to Commission ‘Ikshak’

Why in News?

The Indian Navy will commission INS Ikshak, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class, at Naval Base Kochi.

Key Points

• About the Vessel:

  • The name Ikshak means "Guide," which perfectly matches the ship's job of accurately mapping and navigating the seas.

  • It is the first SVL-class vessel to be based at the Southern Naval Command (Kochi).

  • Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, the vessel features over 80% indigenous content.

• Role and Functions:

  • Designed for coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels.

  • The vessel’s survey data will aid safe maritime navigation, port management, and marine resource assessment.

  • It enhances India’s capability to produce accurate nautical charts, supporting both civil and military maritime operations.

Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] Class

• The Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class project was launched to modernise India’s hydrographic survey fleet and replace ageing Sandhayak-class vessels.
• A total of four ships are part of this class — INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak, INS Ikshak, and INS Sanshodhak (under construction).
• These vessels are being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• They are designed to conduct hydrographic, oceanographic, and cartographic surveys to produce navigational charts and support both civil and defence maritime operations.

Maldives Enforces World’s First Generational Smoking Ban

Why in News?

The Maldives has officially become the first country in the world to enforce a generational ban on smoking, prohibiting anyone born on or after 1st January 2007 from ever purchasing, possessing, or using tobacco products.

Key Points

• The generational Ban:
  • Applies to all tobacco forms, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco.
  • Retailers must verify age before sale to prevent violations.
  • Aims to phase out tobacco use within one generation.
  • The Maldives already has a complete ban on vaping and e-cigarettes, regardless of age.
• New Zealand was the first to enact such law (born after 1st January, 2009), but they repealed it in 2023 before it took effect.
• Health Perspective:
  • Tobacco kills nearly 7 million people annually (WHO). 
  • The move aligns with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to curb youth initiation and protect future generations.

WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)

• It is the world’s first global public health treaty. Over 180 parties (including India) have ratified the convention. It was adopted in 2003 and enforced in 2005.
• Objective: To protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.
• Key Provisions:
  • Ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
  • Health warnings covering at least 30–50% of packaging.
  • Measures to reduce tobacco demand and supply, including taxation and public smoking bans.
  • Regulation of illicit trade and protection from industry interference in policy-making.

First Indian Woman to Race a Ferrari Internationally

Why in News?

Diana Pundole has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to race a Ferrari 296 Challenge car on international circuits.

Key Points

• Diana Pundole is competing in the Ferrari 296 Challenge, a prestigious international one-make racing series featuring the brand’s latest high-performance race car.
• Her participation across Middle Eastern circuits — including Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi — makes her the first Indian woman to officially race a Ferrari at the global level.
• About the Ferrari 296 Challenge:
  • The Ferrari 296 Challenge is the latest model in Ferrari’s Challenge racing series, replacing the 488 Challenge Evo.
  • The series runs under Ferrari’s global one-make championship format, featuring professional and gentleman racers from around the world.