Content :
- UMEED Central Portal
- INS ARNALA
UMEED Central Portal
Context and Objective
- Launched by: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on 6th June 2025 in New Delhi.
- Developed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, 1995.
- Aims to digitize, streamline, and democratize Waqf property governance across India.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance )
Purpose and Significance
- Marks a historic reform in Waqf property management.
- Targets transparency, accountability, and public participation in Waqf asset administration.
- Special focus on benefitting poor Muslims, especially women and children.
- Reinforces the government’s commitment to safeguarding minority rights.
Key Features of the UMEED Portal
- Real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties.
- Geo-tagging of all Waqf assets to create a digital inventory.
- Integration with GIS and e-Governance tools for better decision-making.
- Transparent leasing and usage tracking to prevent misuse.
- Online grievance redressal mechanism for public accountability.
- Public access to verified records and periodic reports.
Statements from Key Dignitaries
- Kiren Rijiju: Portal is a “new chapter” in Waqf governance; reflects the intent to ensure equity, utility, and justice in Waqf asset use.
- George Kurian (MoS): Calls it a long-awaited reform; will curb misuse and empower community oversight.
- Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar (Secretary, Minority Affairs): Portal will be the “backbone of digital Waqf governance” and facilitate education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
Expected Impact
- Strengthens digital governance and transparency in religious endowments.
- Promotes public accountability and stakeholder participation.
- Ensures Waqf properties are used for their intended social and welfare purposes.
- Empowers local communities and disadvantaged groups, especially within the Muslim population.
INS ARNALA
INS Arnala is the Indian Navy’s first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), designed for coastal defence and subsurface surveillance. Built indigenously under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, it marks a major milestone in India’s self-reliant naval capabilities.
Relevance : GS 3(Defence)
Event Overview
- INS Arnala to be commissioned on 18 June 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
- First in a series of 16 ASW-SWC class ships to be inducted into the Indian Navy.
- Ceremony to be presided over by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, and hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar.
Manufacturing & Design
- Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with L&T Shipbuilders.
- Delivered to the Navy on 08 May 2025.
- Built under the oversight of the Directorate of Ship Production and Warship Overseeing Teams in Kolkata and Kattupalli.
Symbolism & Heritage
- Named after Arnala Fort off Vasai, Maharashtra, known for its historical maritime significance and resilience.
- Represents a blend of India’s naval heritage and modern defence capability.
Indigenous Content & Industry Impact
- Incorporates over 80% indigenous content.
- Integrates systems from major Indian defence firms:
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- L&T
- Mahindra Defence
- MEIL
- Engaged over 55 MSMEs, promoting the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 77.6 metres
- Displacement: ~1490 tonnes
- Propulsion: Diesel Engine-Waterjet combination (largest Indian Naval warship with this configuration)
- Capabilities:
- Subsurface Surveillance
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO)
Strategic and National Importance
- Enhances coastal defence and littoral security.
- Contributes to India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Demonstrates India’s self-reliance in advanced naval shipbuilding.
- Aligns with national vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and maritime security.
