INS Nistar – Diving Support Vessel (DSV)

Source: DD News
Context: The Indian Navy is set to commission its first indigenously designed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, at Visakhapatnam. This marks a major step forward in India’s underwater rescue capabilities and maritime self-reliance.

🔹 What is INS Nistar?

INS Nistar is India’s first indigenously developed Diving Support Vessel, designed for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and underwater operations.
It serves as the mother ship for a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).

Developed by:

• Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam
• Built under the Ministry of Defence with 80% indigenous content
• Over 120 MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) contributed to its construction

🎯 Objectives of INS Nistar

• Support submarine rescue operations and emergency evacuations
• Execute saturation diving and air diving missions in deep sea
• Enhance India’s underwater operational capability and maritime readiness
• Reduce dependence on foreign support during crises

⚙️ Key Features

Power & Capacity

• Displacement: Over 10,000 tons
• Length: 120 meters
• Sea Endurance: Capable of operating at sea for 60+ continuous days
• Dynamic Positioning System: Advanced tech to maintain precise position during complex underwater tasks

Diving & Rescue Capability

• Equipped with Saturation Diving System, Air Diving Chambers, ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), and Side Scan Sonars
• Acts as the mother ship for the DSRV (Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle)
• Improves the range and response time for submarine rescue missions

Medical Facilities

• Fully equipped Operation Theatre
• ICU and 8-bed hospital onboard
• Hyperbaric Chamber for diver recovery and treatment

Multi-purpose Utility

• Helicopter landing capability
• 15-ton Subsea Crane for logistics and rescue operations

🌊 Significance

• Boosts Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) mission in defense shipbuilding
• Enhances India’s maritime strategic preparedness, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
• Bridges critical capability gaps in submarine rescue and maritime disaster response
• Symbolically revives the legacy of the 1971 Soviet-origin INS Nistar

🚢 Conclusion

INS Nistar could prove to be a strategic game-changer for the Indian Navy, thanks to its technical excellence and its critical role in complex submarine rescue missions.

TALASH Initiative

Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with UNICEF India, has launched a national program called TALASH, aimed at promoting holistic development and career guidance for tribal students studying in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).

✅ What is TALASH?

TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills, and Self-Esteem Hub) is a digital platform designed to support tribal students in self-discovery, life skills development, and career planning.
It is the first national-level program focused specifically on the overall development of tribal students.

Launched by:

• National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), in collaboration with UNICEF India
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India

🎯 Objectives of TALASH

• To foster self-awareness and personality development among students
• To help students choose the right career path through interest-based assessments
• To build life skills like emotional intelligence, communication, and decision-making
• To train and empower teachers for effective student mentoring

📌 Key Features

🧠 Psychometric Assessments

• Based on NCERT’s TAMANNA model
• Evaluates student aptitude and generates a personalized career card

🎓 Career Counseling Module

• Provides insights into suitable career options based on interest and aptitude
• Aligns student aspirations, preferences, and goals for informed decision-making

💡 Life Skills and Self-Esteem Training

• Focuses on confidence-building, conflict resolution, and emotional well-being
• Promotes resilience and value-based growth

🧑‍🏫 Teacher Training Portal

• 189 teachers from 75 EMRS schools already trained
• Encourages peer-led leadership development at the school level

🌍 Phased Nationwide Rollout

• Will cover over 1.38 lakh students across 28 states and 8 union territories by 2025
• Smooth implementation through city-level pilot programs

📈 Significance

• Offers personalized learning to tribal youth through digital technology
• Bridges academic, emotional, and aspirational gaps
• Aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision for inclusive and holistic education
• Ensures outreach to students in remote areas through technological innovation