National 21 August 2026
FOC-in-C Inaugurates LARS Test Plinth at Submarine Rescue Unit (East), Visakhapatnam
Why in the News?
Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), inaugurated the LARS Test Plinth at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) in Visakhapatnam.
Key Features / Major Points:
Unique Test Facility: The newly inaugurated LARS Test Plinth is a unique, in-house shore-based facility designed for testing and maintaining deep-sea equipment.
Support for DSRV: It enables shore-based trials and upkeep of the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle’s (DSRV) Launch & Recovery System (LARS).
Enhanced Operational Readiness: The facility will significantly boost the operational readiness and long-term maintenance of critical submarine rescue capabilities along India's Eastern Seaboard.
Strategic Importance: Ensures quick-response capability in rescuing personnel and distressed submarines in deep ocean environments.
Static GK Facts:
Eastern Naval Command (ENC):
Headquarters: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Commanding Officer: Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C)
Operational Scope: Safeguards maritime interests in the Bay of Bengal and eastern oceans
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Where is the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy located?
Answer: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
The newly inaugurated LARS Test Plinth is associated with the maintenance of which critical naval capability?
Answer: Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) / Submarine Rescue Capability