Topic 1: PM addresses 100th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika – Guwahati
GS Paper 1: Indian Culture | GS Paper 2: Governance (North-East Development) | GS Paper 2: National Integration
Context: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika in Guwahati, Assam. He described Bhupen Da as a cultural icon whose music embodied the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, uniting generations across India. The celebrations included release of Bhupen Hazarika’s biography and performances showcasing Assam’s cultural richness.
About Dr. Bhupen Hazarika:
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- Born on 8 September 1926 in Sadiya, Assam; passed away in 2011.
- Renowned as a lyricist, musician, poet, singer, actor, and filmmaker.
- Known as the Bard of Brahmaputra and Shudha Kantho (pure voice).
- Songs carried themes of humanism, unity, empathy, and social justice, transcending caste, creed, and religion.
- Also served as Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi (1999–2004) and was a member of the Assamese Legislative Assembly (1967–72).
- Conferred with the Bharat Ratna (2019, posthumously), Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
- His bridge-building work between regional culture and national identity made him a key figure in India’s cultural nationalism.
Key Highlights (PM’s Address):
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- Tribute to Bhupen Hazarika:
- Called Shudha Kantho, his music voiced unity, compassion, and patriotism.
- His life and works reflected the spirit of national integration, especially during times of turmoil in the North-East.
- Songs inspired resilience during the 1962 war and voiced aspirations of the marginalized.
- Government’s Recognition:
- Bhupen Hazarika conferred Bharat Ratna – symbolic of NE’s pride and national importance.
- Longest bridge connecting Assam and Arunachal named Bhupen Hazarika Bridge.
- North-East Development:
- PM emphasized rapid progress in Assam and the North-East as a true tribute to Bhupen Da.
- Highlighted celebrations of Veer Lachit Borphukan’s 400th anniversary and revival of NE freedom fighters’ legacies during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
- Cultural Connectivity:
- PM stressed cultural connectivity as vital for national unity, beyond physical connectivity.
- Assam’s festivals, art, attire, cuisine, and tourism highlighted as sources of cultural pride.
- Vocal for Local Appeal:
- PM urged people to be brand ambassadors of Vocal for Local, promoting Swadeshi products like Assam’s gamocha.
- National Resolve:
- PM reaffirmed that New India will not compromise on security or dignity, citing Operation Sindoor as an example.
- Linked Bhupen Da’s vision of a New India with Viksit Bharat @2047.
- Tribute to Bhupen Hazarika:
Strategic Significance:
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- Reinforces North-East’s central role in India’s unity and cultural identity.
- Recognises music and culture as tools of national integration and diplomacy.
- Boosts regional pride and development, turning NE into a land of “new light and new dawn”.
- Promotes self-reliance and economic empowerment through Vocal for Local and cultural branding.
Conclusion:
The centenary celebrations of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika mark not just a tribute to a legendary cultural figure, but a reaffirmation of his ideals of unity, inclusivity, and national pride. His songs and life continue to inspire India’s march towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, guided by cultural strength, self-reliance, and unwavering national resolve.
Topic 2: India to Host 5th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) – Chennai, 2027
GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Security & Defence (Maritime Security)
Context: India will host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) in Chennai, 2027, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The decision was unanimously taken at the 4th CGGS held in Rome (11–12 Sept 2025), attended by delegates from 115 countries and international organisations.
Key Highlights:
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- Event Features:
- International Coast Guard Fleet Review.
- World Coast Guard Seminar on maritime challenges.
- Leadership Role:
- India assumes Presidency of CGGS, showcasing global confidence in its maritime leadership.
- DG ICG Paramesh Sivamani emphasised need for interoperability and trust in tackling shared maritime issues.
- Global Cooperation:
- Handover of CGGS Presidency acknowledged Italy’s hosting and Japan Coast Guard’s Secretariat role.
- On sidelines, India–Italy discussions under Defence Cooperation Clause of Strategic Action Plan (2025–29), covering:
- Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR).
- Marine pollution response & environmental protection.
- Countering transnational maritime crimes.
- Capacity building, training, technical assistance, and information sharing.
- Event Features:
Strategic Significance:
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- Strengthens India’s maritime diplomacy, positioning ICG as a pillar of global maritime security.
- Showcases India’s commitment to rules-based order at sea, environmental protection, and combating maritime crimes.
- Enhances interoperability and capacity-building with 100+ Coast Guards worldwide.
- Aligns with India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
- Reinforces India’s leadership in multilateral maritime forums during ICG’s Golden Jubilee.
Conclusion:
Hosting the 5th CGGS in 2027 underlines India’s emergence as a global maritime leader, combining operational capability, international cooperation, and strategic vision. The summit will not only mark the ICG’s 50 years of service, but also reaffirm India’s role in shaping a secure, cooperative, and sustainable maritime future.
Topic 3:Indian Navy Strengthens Maritime Capabilities – INS Androth Induction & INS Trikand Deployment in Greece
GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Security & Defence
Context: In September 2025, the Indian Navy marked two significant milestones:
1. The delivery of INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) built by GRSE, Kolkata, strengthening coastal defence and indigenisation.
2. The deployment of INS Trikand, a stealth frigate, to Salamis Bay, Greece, for the first-ever India–Greece bilateral maritime exercise.
Key Highlights:
INS Androth (ASW SWC) – Delivered to Navy
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- Second of eight ASW SWCs under construction at GRSE, Kolkata.
- Capabilities: Coastal surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, mine laying.
- Equipped with:
- Lightweight torpedoes.
- Indigenous ASW rockets.
- Advanced shallow-water SONAR for submarine detection.
- Design & Build: 77 m long; largest Indian warship with Diesel Engine–Waterjet propulsion.
- Indigenous Content: Over 80% made in India, aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Symbolism: Named after Androth Island (Lakshadweep), underlining India’s commitment to maritime security.
INS Trikand – Mediterranean Deployment
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- Port call at Salamis Bay, Greece.
- Participated in maiden bilateral naval exercise with Hellenic Navy.
- Activities included:
- Planning discussions, senior-level interactions, cross-deck visits.
- Cultural exchanges to enhance people-to-people ties.
- Sea Phase: Joint drills to refine tactical skills and operational synergy.
- Post-exercise: Continued deployment in Mediterranean, enhancing India’s presence in Europe.
Strategic Significance:
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- For INS Androth:
- Strengthens littoral defence and anti-submarine capability in shallow waters.
- Demonstrates India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding ecosystem.
- Reduces import dependence, boosting self-reliance in defence.
- For INS Trikand:
- Expands India’s strategic footprint in the Mediterranean.
- Deepens India–Greece defence ties and complements existing partnerships with France, Italy, etc.
- Promotes maritime diplomacy in line with SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
- For INS Androth:
Conclusion:
The simultaneous induction of INS Androth and deployment of INS Trikand highlight India’s dual focus on indigenisation at home and strategic engagement abroad.
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