ICGS Ajit, the seventh Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessel, has been handed over by Goa Shipyard Limited to the Indian Coast Guard. This note covers ICGS Ajit and the Coast Guard facts that appear in prelims.
Why in News?
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) formally handed over the Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Ajit to the Indian Coast Guard, strengthening coastal surveillance capability.
ICGS Ajit: Key Facts for Prelims
- Type: Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) β a small, agile ship for high-speed interception and coastal watch.
- Class: seventh vessel of the Adamya-class (eight FPVs ordered from GSL; first was ICGS Adamya).
- Builder: Goa Shipyard Limited β a Defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence; over 60% indigenous content.
- Roles: coastal patrol, fisheries protection, anti-smuggling, search and rescue, pollution response.
- Features: controllable-pitch propellers with gearboxes for manoeuvrability, 30 mm CRN-91 gun and 12.7 mm remote-controlled guns.
Indian Coast Guard β static points
- Established 1 February 1977 (interim); statutory under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
- Functions under the Ministry of Defence; motto ‘Vayam Rakshamah’ (We Protect).
- Fourth armed force of India; headed by the Director General; HQ New Delhi; five regions (West, East, North-East, Andaman & Nicobar, North-West).
- Coast Guard Day: 1 February. Key exercises: SAREX (search and rescue), Sahyog-HOP TAC (with Vietnam), Sahyog-Kaijin (with Japan).
Quick Revision Table: ICGS Ajit
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel | ICGS Ajit |
| Type | Fast Patrol Vessel |
| Class | Adamya-class (7th of 8) |
| Builder | Goa Shipyard Limited (DPSU) |
| Operator | Indian Coast Guard |
| Main roles | Patrol, fisheries protection, SAR |
| ICG parent ministry | Ministry of Defence |
Trap / Confusing Points: ICGS Ajit
| Confusion | Correct Position |
|---|---|
| Indian Coast Guard is under the Home Ministry | No β Ministry of Defence (unlike BSF/CRPF) |
| ICGS Ajit is an Offshore Patrol Vessel | No β Fast Patrol Vessel (smaller than OPV) |
| Built by Mazagon Dock | No β Goa Shipyard Limited |
| First ship of its class | No β seventh; ICGS Adamya was first |
5 Practice MCQs on ICGS Ajit
1. ICGS Ajit belongs to which class of vessels?
a. Samarth-class
b. Adamya-class
c. Vikram-class
d. Sachet-class
Ans: B
Explanation: It is the seventh Adamya-class fast patrol vessel.
2. Goa Shipyard Limited functions under which ministry?
a. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
b. Ministry of Defence
c. Ministry of Heavy Industries
d. Ministry of Home Affairs
Ans: B
Explanation: GSL is a Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence.
3. The Indian Coast Guard was established under the Coast Guard Act of:
a. 1971
b. 1977
c. 1978
d. 1982
Ans: C
Explanation: It began in 1977 and was formally constituted by the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
4. Sahyog-HOP TAC is a Coast Guard exercise between India and:
a. Japan
b. Sri Lanka
c. Vietnam
d. Indonesia
Ans: C
Explanation: Sahyog-HOP TAC is the IndiaβVietnam Coast Guard joint exercise.
5. Indian Coast Guard Day is observed on:
a. 4 December
b. 1 February
c. 15 January
d. 26 January
Ans: B
Explanation: 1 February marks the Coast Guard’s raising day.
Exam tip: Revise ICGS Ajit together with the static links above; UPSC and APPSC prelims often frame questions from these interconnections.
To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.
To know more about ICGS Ajit handover, Click here.
