*_India’s First Indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV) – A Strategic & Scientific Milestone_* _📌 Here are *🔟 Key Points* every UPSC aspirant must know:_ 1️⃣ Historic Step: India will soon build its first-ever indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV) to strengthen its presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. 2️⃣ Strategic Partnership: A crucial MoU was signed between GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd.) and Norway’s Kongsberg Oslo to initiate this project. 3️⃣ About GRSE: GRSE, based in Kolkata, is a Mini Ratna Category I shipbuilding PSU under the Ministry of Defence. 4️⃣ What is PRV? A PRV is a research vessel used for exploring polar regions. It is equipped with state-of-the-art oceanographic & climate monitoring equipment. 5️⃣ Scientific Use: It will support National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa in enhancing India’s climate research, marine ecosystem studies, and polar exploration. 6️⃣ Strengthening Missions: It will aid India’s existing polar missions: ✅ Maitri (1989) & Bharati (2011) in Antarctica ✅ Himadri (2008) in Arctic 7️⃣ Geopolitical Importance: India’s indigenous PRV will boost its strategic autonomy in polar regions, crucial for energy, environment, and geopolitical competition in the Arctic. 8️⃣ Aligned with SAGAR & MAHASAGAR: The move complements India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR maritime doctrines, strengthening regional cooperation. 9️⃣ Supports Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV): This aligns with Sagarmala 2.0 under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and MAKV’s goal to make India a top 5 shipbuilding nation by 2047. 🔟 Climate & Blue Economy: It promotes India’s role in climate change mitigation, oceanography, and sustainable marine research. *_📘 UPSC Relevance:_* ✅ Prelims: GRSE, PRV, NCPOR, SAGAR, MAKV, Bharati, Maitri, Himadri, Arctic & Antarctic missions. ✅ GS Paper II – Governance & International Relations: India’s strategic polar presence, bilateral cooperation, SAGAR/MAHASAGAR frameworks. ✅ GS Paper III – Environment & Tech: Climate research, blue economy, oceanography, indigenous R&D, shipbuilding. 📲 Save this for UPSC Prelims + GS II/III answers! *_#examlife_*