9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 23rd September, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Thalinomics Vs Cost of Healthy Diet (CoHD) for measuring nutrition needs
Source: This post is created based on the article Capturing the cost of healthy diets, published in The Hindu on 23rd Sep 2024.
UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues – Issues related to Poverty and Hunger
Context: Even after improvements in poverty rates and income levels in India, India faces persistent nutritional challenges. The National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) in 2015-16 and 2019-21 reveal high rates of undernutrition among children and increasing anaemia among adults, alongside rising obesity prevalence in both rural and urban areas.
This triple burden of malnutrition (undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies) is exacerbated by many factors. Healthy nutritious diets are crucial for addressing India’s triple burden of malnutrition.
What are the main barriers to Healthy Diets?
High cost of healthy diets, making them unaffordable for a significant portion of the population. As per the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 report, 55.6% of India’s population (788 million people) could not afford a nutritionally adequate diet as of 2022.
Rising food prices, especially for nutritious items like vegetables, fruits, pulses, and eggs, coupled with stagnating or declining real wages, are making healthy diets increasingly expensive.
What are the limitations of Thalinomics aproach?
The Economic Survey 2019-20 introduced ‘Thalinomics’ to calculate the cost of “typical” thalis based on the 2011 Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs). However, the thali does not adequately reflect nutritional recommendations:
a) It accounts for only 61% of the recommended daily food requirements in grams.
b) It covers only 65% of the National Institute of Nutrition’s (NIN) 2021 caloric recommendations.
c) It excludes nutrient-rich food groups like green leafy vegetables, dairy, and nuts and seeds.
Thalinomics relies on outdated data from the 2011-12 National Sample Survey Consumer Expenditure Survey (NSS-CES).
The “typical” meals represented in Thalinomics may not account for India’s dietary diversity and local food availability.
How does Cost of Healthy Diet (CoHD) function as an alternative?
The CoHD measures the minimum daily expenditure required to meet nutritional recommendations based on current FBDGs. It has the following advantages:
a) Uses readily available price data, eliminating the need for reliance on expensive household consumption surveys.
b) Simple computations that can be easily understood.
c) Provides a more accurate representation of the cost of meeting nutritional requirements compared to the thali approach.
For example, an analysis comparing CoHD with vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis over the period 2018-2023 shows that the CoHD was generally higher, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when supply disruptions led to a spike in the prices of perishables
The Thalinomics approach, though intuitive, fails to capture the real cost of nutritious diets and may underestimate it, especially in times of crisis. In contrast, the CoHD provides a more accurate reflection of the true cost of meeting nutritional needs. It accounts for the fluctuating costs of perishable foods, particularly during supply-side disruptions.
Question for Practice
‘Despite falling poverty rates and rising incomes over the last decade or more, India has struggled to substantially improve its nutritional outcome’. Discuss.
GS PAPER - 3
Future of the GST compensation cess
Source: The post future of the GST compensation cess has been created, based on the article “Why a grand GST bargain with states is needed” published in “Indian Express” on 23rd September is 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Government budgeting
Context: The article discusses the future of the GST compensation cess, its potential continuation or transformation after March 2026, and how it might be used. It also addresses the possibility of bringing petroleum products under GST and compensating states for revenue losses.
For detailed information on GST Compensation Cess read Article 1, Article 2
What is the GST Compensation Cess?
- The GST compensation cess was created to compensate states for any revenue losses after the implementation of GST, based on a projected annual revenue growth of 14% from the 2015-16 levels.
- It was funded by a cess on specific goods and was meant to last five years, but has been extended to March 2026 due to the financial strains of COVID-19.
- From July 2017 to March 2023, the government transferred Rs 8.8 trillion to states, with Rs 6.1 trillion as grants and Rs 2.7 trillion as loans.
- Ten major states, including Maharashtra and Karnataka, received nearly two-thirds of the total compensation. Some states, like Punjab, heavily rely on this compensation as a significant part of their revenue.
What are the Future Plans for the Compensation Cess?
- The government aims to repay the Rs 2.7 trillion GST compensation loan by January 2026, two months before the compensation cess period ends.
- A surplus of Rs 480 billion is expected after loan repayment and interest payments.
- The GST Council has recommended studying the future of the cess beyond March 2026.
- One option is transforming the cess into a “green cess” to finance environmental projects and India’s energy transition goals for 2030.
- The council will also decide how this new cess would be shared between the Centre and the states.
Will petroleum products come under GST?
- Petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL) are not currently under GST.
- Including them could help businesses by allowing them to claim input tax credits, thereby reducing costs.
- However, this would also reduce the fiscal autonomy of states, which currently set their own tax rates on these products.
- A significant negotiation would be necessary to include POL under GST, possibly using cess proceeds to compensate states for any losses.
Question for practice:
Examine the potential future uses of the GST Compensation Cess after March 2026 and how it might be transformed.
Importance of the Joint Commanders’ Conference (JCC)
Source: The post importance of the Joint Commanders’ Conference (JCC) has been created, based on the article “Taking stock of India’s military preparedness” published in “Indian Express” on 23rd September is 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Security challenges and their management
Context: The article discusses the importance of the Joint Commanders’ Conference (JCC) led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It highlights issues like military modernization, equipment shortages, manpower gaps, and the need for credible war preparedness, beyond just symbolic actions or events.
What is the Joint Commanders’ Conference (JCC)?
- The JCC is a new conference led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It brings top military commanders together to discuss national security.
- The JCC aims to improve national security by having extended, focused discussions with military leaders. It focuses on issues like modernization, equipment needs, and readiness for war.
How does the JCC differ from the Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC)?
- Chairmanship: The JCC is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while the CCC is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Focus: The JCC focuses on professional military matters, offering extended discussions on national security. The CCC tends to address broader global, regional, and strategic issues.
- Political Influence: The CCC has seen increasing political overtones. For example, the 2023 CCC in Bhopal featured large posters of PM Modi and political figures, raising concerns of politicizing the military.
- Event Regularity: The CCC was not held in 2019, 2020, or 2022, while the JCC aims to be more regular.
What are the major concerns?
- Military Modernization Delays: A 2018 report showed 68% of the Army’s equipment is outdated, with only 8% considered state-of-the-art.
- Shortage in Fighter Squadrons: The Air Force operates only 32 fighter squadrons, while 42 are required. Navy lacks adequate aircraft for carriers.
- Manpower Deficiency: There is a shortage of 1.55 lakh personnel in the armed forces, with the Army needing 1.36 lakh recruits.
- Impact of Agnipath Scheme: The hurried implementation of the Agnipath scheme has disrupted recruitment patterns and requires a macro review.
- Financial Constraints: The rupee’s value dropped from Rs 62.33 to 83.47 per US dollar (since 2014), limiting the military’s purchasing power.
- Dependence on Imports: Despite “aatmanirbharata” efforts, India still heavily relies on imported military equipment.
- Geopolitical Threats: The Galwan clash in 2020 and increased cross-border terrorism emphasize the need for better preparedness.
Question for practice:
Discuss the major concerns highlighted in the Joint Commanders’ Conference (JCC) regarding India’s military modernization and preparedness.
New Threats are Emerging in Aviation Safety
Source: The post new threats are emerging in Aviation Safety has been created, based on the article “Brace for the new threat to air passenger safety” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd September is 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Security challenges and their management
Context: The article discusses new aviation safety risks from electronic devices like pagers and walkie-talkies, potentially triggered by external signals, citing incidents in West Asia. It highlights India’s security vulnerabilities and urges stronger safety measures to prevent future threats.
For detailed information on Opportunities and Challenges For Aviation Sector In India read this article here
What New Threats are Emerging in Aviation Safety?
- Small electronic devices like pagers and walkie-talkies have been identified as potential threats, as seen in Lebanon. Explosions in these devices could be triggered by external signals.
- In-flight explosions could cause cabin fires or damage to the aircraft’s pressure system, leading to decompression and oxygen mask deployment, creating a dangerous situation for passengers.
- Mobile phones left on during flights can interfere with aircraft systems. One such incident caused a crash when an incoming signal misdirected the autopilot.
What security loopholes exist in India?
- VVIP Exemptions: In India, VVIPs are exempt from security checks. This includes people with questionable backgrounds, unlike other countries where exemptions are limited.
- 1989 Rule Expansion: Initially, only five categories were exempt from security checks, but later, even State Governors were added.
- Unchecked Baggage: Some VVIPs and officials bypass hand baggage checks, increasing the risk of dangerous items being smuggled onboard.
- No Global Parity: India’s broad exemption contrasts with tighter global norms.
What Should be Done?
- Ban Wi-Fi on flights: To prevent external signals from triggering explosions in devices, as seen in Lebanon.
- Introduce signal shields at airports: This would block dangerous signals, similar to safety measures introduced before 5G near airports.
- Remove VVIP exemptions in India: VVIP baggage should not bypass security checks, preventing potential threats from being smuggled.
- Enforce mobile phone flight rules: Keeping phones in flight mode prevents interference, as a crash occurred due to a live signal.
- Ban risky devices on flights: Airlines should follow Beirut’s example of banning pagers and walkie-talkies.
Question for practice:
Discuss the emerging threats to aviation safety posed by small electronic devices and the security loopholes in India that contribute to these risks.
Concerns about using GST data for GDP estimates
Source: The post concerns about using GST data for GDP estimates has been created, based on the article “On the pitfalls of estimating GDP” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd September is 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy – Issues relating to mobilization of resources.
Context: The article discusses concerns about using GST data for GDP estimates. It warns that untested data, like MCA-21, led to overestimation. The NSO must ensure proper testing of GST data before adopting it to avoid inaccuracies in future GDP calculations.
For detailed information on India’s GST system needs further reform read this article here
What is the Main Concern About GDP Calculation?
- The main concern is the accuracy of GDP estimates due to untested datasets.
- The MCA-21 database, used since 2011-12, led to overestimation of industrial growth.
- For example, in 2013-14, manufacturing growth was revised from (-)1.90% in the old series to (+)5.4% in the new series.
- Comparisons between NAS (based on MCA-21) and ASI data from 2012-13 to 2019-20 showed significant discrepancies: GVA growth was 6.2% in NAS but only 3.2% in ASI.
- The same issue occurred with GFCF growth, which was 4.5% in NAS and just 0.3% in ASI.
- The NSO is considering using GST data for GDP estimation, but experts caution against hasty adoption without proper testing, as seen with MCA-21.
Why Was There a Change in Database Before?
- The change in database occurred due to limitations in previous methods like the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) and the RBI sample.
- ASI missed value addition outside factory premises, while the RBI sample didn’t cover the fast-growing Private Corporate Sector (PCS).
- MCA-21 was introduced in the 2011-12 base year to capture corporate output more fully.
- MCA-21, with its extensive corporate returns data, replaced the older methods to provide better coverage.
- GST data is a large and up-to-date source that may replace the MCA-21 database for estimating value addition in the Private Corporate Sector (PCS), which contributes 38% of GDP. The proposed base year is 2020-21, and using GST data could be a significant change.
What Should be Done?
- To avoid repeating the overestimation seen with MCA-21 data, the NSO should conduct pilot studies to verify if GST data is reliable.
- Testing is essential to ensure accuracy in GDP estimates. Cross-validation with other datasets is also important to maintain the integrity of GDP figures.
- NSO could consider reverting to the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for estimating GDP in the manufacturing sector, as it is now available with a shorter time lag.
Question for practice:
Examine the potential risks of using GST data for GDP estimation based on past issues with untested datasets like MCA-21.
India Need a National Security Strategy (NSS)
Source: The post India need a National Security Strategy (NSS) has been created, based on the article “India needs a ‘National Security Strategy’” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd September is 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Security challenges and their management
Context: The article discusses the need for India to develop a National Security Strategy. It emphasizes that such a strategy should prioritize economic and defence resources, address external threats like China, and maintain secrecy. It highlights the challenges of balancing defence and diplomacy.
For detailed information on National Security Strategy of India read this article here
Why Does India Need a National Security Strategy (NSS)?
- External Threats: India faces increasing challenges from a belligerent eastern neighbor, China, with whom it has an $85 billion trade deficit and military inequalities, like fewer submarines and warships.
- Global Instability: Ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza are affecting global growth, which threatens India’s economic ambitions of becoming a $4 trillion economy.
- Multi-alignment Strategy: India’s strategy of balancing relationships through alliances like the Quad and BRICS requires a coherent National Security Strategy to manage these diverse diplomatic and defence needs.
- Economic Strength: The economy is crucial to national security, with various ministries vying for limited resources. A National Security Strategy would help India prioritize and manage its defence and economic objectives effectively.
What Should Be Included in a National Security Strategy?
- Defense and Economy Integration: The National Security Strategy (NSS) should align defense needs with economic goals, recognizing the critical role the economy plays in security. For instance, defense budgeting should be transparent and prioritize investments in key areas like submarine and shipbuilding where India lags behind China significantly.
- Multi-Alignment Foreign Policy: The NSS should formalize India’s multi-alignment strategy, which includes balancing relationships within groups like the Quad and BRICS. This strategy helps India manage its $85 billion trade deficit with China while addressing security challenges.
- Confidentiality: The strategy should remain classified to protect national interests. Revealing vulnerabilities could compromise India’s position against more powerful neighbors like China.
- Strategic Resource Allocation: The NSS should outline how resources are allocated across different sectors like defense, finance, and technology. It should prioritize investments in sectors crucial for national security, ensuring balanced growth and readiness.
How Does the U.S. and Other Countries Define National Security?
- United States: The U.S. defines national security as a union of values and national interests. The National Security Strategy (NSS) mentions “values” 29 times, emphasizing America’s leadership role. It influences other documents like the National Defense Strategy and budgeting.
- United Kingdom: The U.K.’s 2021 Integrated Review focuses on global partnerships and maintaining its status as a European power, despite its limited military resources, such as insufficient aircraft for its carriers.
- France: In 2022, France’s NSS focused on nuclear deterrence due to the Ukraine war, aiming to assert European leadership, though it faced limited success.
Question for practice:
Examine how India’s National Security Strategy (NSS) should address the economic and defence challenges posed by China.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Key Highlights of the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit
Source- This post on Key Highlights of the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit is based on the article “Quad launches maritime and health initiatives, adopts strong language on aggression” published in The Hindu on 23rd September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit was hosted at Wilmington, Delaware, USA. Key Highlights of the fourth Quad Leaders Summit
Key Highlights of the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit
Dimension | Description |
Maritime and Legal Initiatives | 1. Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI): Quad countries launched MAITRI to train partners in monitoring and securing their waters, enforcing maritime laws, and deterring illegal activities. India will host the first MAITRI workshop in 2025. 2. Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission: This mission will improve interoperability and maritime safety across the Indo-Pacific region. The first coast guard exercise is set for 2025. 3. Maritime Legal Dialogue: It is a new initiative to support the enforcement of a rules-based maritime order was announced, with a focus on legal measures to uphold international standards in the region. |
Focus on Maritime Security | 1. Quad leaders highlighted the militarization of disputed regions and condemned the use of maritime militia vessels for coercive purposes. 2. The Quad opposed any disruptions to nations’ offshore resource activities and condemned the use of force or intimidation. |
Health and Education Initiatives | 1. Quad Cancer Moonshot: India pledged $10 million for screening efforts to combat cervical cancer. Vaccine production partners, including Serum Institute of India and Gavi, will provide up to 40 million doses. 2. STEM Education Fellowship: The Quad fellowship expanded to include 50 scholarships worth $500,000 for students in the Indo-Pacific region to study at Indian government-funded technical institutions. |
Logistics and Disaster Response | Logistics Network Pilot Project: The Quad countries launched a pilot project for sharing airlift capacity to enhance disaster response across the Indo-Pacific. |
UPSC Syllabus: International Relations
Status of Legacy Waste Management Under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
Source- This post on Status of Legacy Waste Management Under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 is based on the article “Only 16% land reclaimed under legacy waste management project of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0” published in The Hindu on 23rd September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, it has been observed that the progress of legacy waste management project of the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 has been slower.
Status of Legacy Waste Management Under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
1. About: Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 was launched on October 1, 2021 for the duration of five years i.e. up to October 1, 2026
2. Objective: Achieve ‘Garbage-Free Status‘ for all cities by remediating legacy waste dumpsites and converting them into green zones.
Note: Legacy waste dumpsites are areas that have accumulated solid waste over many years, stored without scientific methods or proper regulation.
3. Key Goals: 100% source segregation, Door-to-door waste collection, Scientific waste management, including safe disposal in landfills and remediation of legacy dumpsites
4. Status of Dumpsite Remediation:
Indicators | Description |
Total Dumpsites Identified | 2,424 sites with over 1,000 tonnes of legacy waste |
Remediation Completed | 470 sites fully remediated |
Ongoing Remediation | 1,224 sites approved and under process |
Untouched Sites | 730 sites remain unaddressed |
5. Land Reclamation Progress:
Indicators | Description |
Total Dumpsites Identified | 28,460.33 acres |
Reclaimed Land | Only 16% (4,552.34 acres) has been reclaimed |
Pending Reclamation | 84% (23,908 acres) of land is yet to be reclaimed |
6. State Performance:
1. Tamil Nada has the largest area reclaimed, with 837 acres (42%).
2. Gujarat is the best performing state by percentage, reclaiming 75% (698 out of 938 acres) of its landfill area.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) on clean and Fair economy
Source- This post on Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) on clean and Fair economy is based on the article “India signs US-led IPEF bloc’s clean, fair economy agreements” published in The Hindu on 23rd September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, India signed agreements under the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) on clean and fair economy.
About the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) on clean economy
1. The agreement is to facilitate clean energy development and climate-friendly technology deployment.
2. Aim: The clean economy agreement aims to accelerate the efforts of IPEF partners to enhance energy security, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
3. Focus: These agreements focus on strengthening anti-corruption measures and enhancing tax transparency among member countries.
4. The agreement emphasizes the development of innovative strategies and promotes technical cooperation between member countries to support sustainable energy solutions.
About Fair Economy Agreement
1. Focus: The fair economy agreement focuses on creating a transparent and predictable business environment to boost trade and investment in member markets.
2. Key areas of the agreement: It includes improving information sharing, facilitating asset recovery, and strengthening cross-border investigations and prosecutions.
3. Investment Facilitation: A new IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund, with an initial grant of $33 million from countries like Australia, Japan, Korea, and the US, aims to mobilize private investments up to $3.3 billion.
4. IPGI Investment Accelerator: The IPEF also launched the PGI Investment Accelerator, initially funded with $300 million from the US International Development Finance Corporation, to catalyze further investments.
About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)
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1. IPEF- It is an economic initiative launched by U.S.A. President Joe Biden in 2022.
2. Objective: It provides a platform for countries in the region to collaborate on advancing resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, and aims to contribute to cooperation, stability, and prosperity in the region.
3. Members: It has 14 partners – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, U.S.A. and Vietnam.
4. Nodal agency: Department of Commerce for the IPEF engagements.
5. The IPEF comprises four pillars of cooperation namely- Trade, Supply Chain, Clean Economy and Fair Economy.
Read more: IPEF’s Clean Economy Investor Forum
UPSC Syllabus: International agreements
Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)
Source- This post on Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) is based on the article “Government’s Commitment to Renewable Energy Gets a Significant Boost: CEA concurred two more Hydro Pumped Storage Projects (2500 MW)” published in PIB on 23rd September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, CEA has approved two additional Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) in Maharashtra: the 1500 MW Bhavali PSP and the 1000 MW Bhivpuri PSP. This has been done as part of its commitment to a sustainable energy future.
About Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)
1. Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)- Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) play a crucial role in India’s transition to a renewable energy future. These projects function as large-scale energy storage systems, utilizing the gravitational potential energy of water.
2. Functioning of PSPs- During periods of low electricity demand, surplus power (usually from renewable sources) is used to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher one. When electricity demand peaks, the stored water is released, flowing back down through turbines to generate electricity.
3. Significance of PSPs- This system helps in balancing the grid, ensuring stability during periods of high demand, and supporting the integration of renewable energy.
About the recently concurred Pumped Storage Projects
1. Two recently concurred Pumped Storage Projects in Maharashtra are the 1500 MW Bhavali PSP by JSW Energy Ltd. and the 1000 MW Bhivpuri PSP by Tata Power Co. Ltd. These are part of India’s growing focus on energy storage.
2. These projects are expected to be completed by 2028, will provide a combined storage capacity of over 15 GWh, offering significant support for grid stability during non-solar hours.
3. In addition to these, India has been developing several other pumped storage projects to meet its energy demands. Some notable ones include:
1. Srisailam Dam PSP: It is located on the Krishna River, Andhra Pradesh. This is one of the largest PSPs in India, with a capacity of 1,670 MW. It has been critical in providing power during peak hours.
2. Kadana Dam PSP: It is situated in Gujarat. This project has a capacity of 240 MW and contributes to balancing the energy supply during off-peak and peak periods.
3. Purulia Pumped Storage Project: It is located in West Bengal. This PSP has a capacity of 900 MW and is an important asset for managing energy during peak demand.
4. Tehri PSP: It is located in Uttarakhand. This PSP has a capacity of 1,000 MW and plays a vital role in regulating energy in the northern grid.
5. Pancheshwar Dam PSP: It is planned on the Mahakali River between India and Nepal. This large-scale project is expected to have a significant storage capacity to support renewable energy integration in the region.
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
Exercise Eastern Bridge VII
Source- This post on Exercise Eastern Bridge VII is based on the article “INDIAN AIR FORCE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES EXERCISE EASTERN BRIDGE VIIAT RAFO MASIRAH” published in PIB on 23rd September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) completed Exercise Eastern Bridge VII in collaboration with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO).
About Exercise Eastern Bridge VII
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Aspects | Description |
About | 1. Exercise Eastern Bridge VII with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) was held at the RAFO airbase in Masirah. 2. The exercise saw the participation of MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft from the IAF, while RAFO deployed F-16 and Hawk aircraft. 3. The exercise featured complex air operations, air-to-air combat drills, and mission scenarios, which were designed to improve the strategic and tactical capabilities of both forces. |
Objectives | 1. Strengthen military cooperation between India and Oman. 2. Enhance the interoperability between IAF and RAFO. 3. Improve operational coordination and tactical skills. |
Training and Operations | The exercise involved: 1. Complex air operations designed to simulate real-world scenarios. 2. Air-to-air combat drills to enhance tactical capabilities. 3. Mission scenarios focusing on improving strategic and operational proficiencies. |
Commitment to Regional Peace | 1. The successful completion of the exercise reinforces the commitment of both India and Oman to maintaining regional peace and security. 2. The forces showcased their ability to jointly operate in diverse scenarios and demonstrated preparedness to face emerging security challenges. |
UPSC Syllabus: Defence exercises in news
Exercise Aikya
Source- This post on Exercise Aikya is based on the article “NDMA AND INDIAN ARMY SOUTHERN COMMAND HOST MULTI-STAKEHOLDER DISASTER MANAGEMENT EXERCISE” published in PIB on 23rd September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, a two-day disaster management exercise, “EXERCISE AIKYA,” was conducted in Chennai.
About Exercise Aikya
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Aspects | Description |
About | 1. Organized by: It was jointly organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Indian Army Southern Command, and the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA). 2. Location: The event took place at the Headquarters of the Dakshin Bharat Area. 3. Aim: It aims to improve disaster preparedness and response through collaboration between various stakeholders. |
Participants | 1. It included representatives from six southern states and Union Territories: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry. 2. Various central ministries responsible for disaster management, State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and armed forces, response agencies, early warning agencies and research institutions and academic bodies were part of the exercise. |
Objectives | 1. The primary goal was to foster cooperation and coordination among disaster management agencies across Peninsular India, reflecting the meaning of ‘Aikya’ (Oneness in Tamil). 2. The exercise involved simulating emergency situations to test the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders. |
Focus Areas | 1. The event facilitated discussions on recent disaster management trends, technologies, and lessons learned from previous operations. 2. Disaster scenarios including tsunamis, landslides, floods, cyclones, industrial incidents, and forest fires, with a focus on recent events in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad, and Andhra Pradesh, were addressed. 3. Key discussions included the use of AI and technology in disaster management, the economic impact of disasters, vulnerabilities specific to the region, and strategies to reduce response times. |
Future Plans | 1. This exercise is a part of ongoing efforts to enhance disaster management capabilities in India. 2. NDMA and Indian Army Southern Command plan to expand similar exercises to other institutions to strengthen the national disaster preparedness framework. |
UPSC Syllabus: Defence exercise in news