The recent launch of the 3rd Anti-Submarine Shallow Water Craft (ASMSWC) ship, aptly named ‘Anjadip’, marks a noteworthy accomplishment in Indian Navy’s native shipbuilding initiatives. This innovative vessel was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipbuilding, and its launch function took place at Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu on June 13, 2023.
The ‘Anjadip’ is named after the strategically significant island off the Karwar, Karnataka coast, signifying the island’s crucial maritime role. The ASW SWC project’s goal is to build eight ships to replace the current Abhay class ASW Corvettes.
Features of ASMSWC Ships
These modern Arnala class vessels are designed specifically for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Laying operations, with added functionality for subsurface surveillance in shore-hugging waters. Over 80% of the vessel’s content is proudly Indian-made, thus encouraging large-scale defence production by Indian manufacturers and generating employment while augmenting the country’s naval defence abilities.
New Additions and Projects: Sanshodhak, INS Kadamba, and More
The ‘Sanshodhak’, the fourth large survey ship built under Survey Vessels (Large) (SVL) Project, is another significant milestone. Constructed by L&T/GRSE for the Indian Navy, ‘Sanshodhak,’ translates to ‘Researcher,’ indicating its major role as a Hydrographic Survey Vessel.
This particular SVL project consists of four ships, with GRSE in Kolkata constructing the first one and M/s L&T Shipbuilding in Kattupalli constructing the remaining three. These new-generation ships are equipped with cutting-edge hydrographic equipment for precise oceanographic data collection.
TRAI’s Move to Combat Unsolicited Commercial Communication
In another significant development, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has ordered all Access Providers to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) system called UCC_Detect. This system’s primary function is to identify senders of Commercial Communication who have not registered under TCCCPR-2018 and take requisite action against them.
3D Scanning and JATAN Virtual Museum Builder Software
In an endeavour to digitally conserve museum artefacts, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the MeitY and Union Culture Ministry. They aim to complete 3D digitisation of all museums under its administrative control. The digitisation process involves creating digital 3D models from real-world objects or environments.
The JATAN virtual museum builder software designed by Human Centres Design and Computing Group, will be put to use for this undertaking. It aids in managing digital objects with multimedia representations and can create 3D virtual galleries accessible via web, mobile, or touchscreen kiosks.