9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 4th November, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Urban Challenges in India and Globally
Source: The post urban challenges in India and globally has been created, based on the article “What are major challenges faced by Indian cities?” published in “The Hindu” on 4th November 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society-urbanisation, their problems and their remedies
Context: The article highlights challenges in urban areas, especially in India, including climate change, poverty, and poor planning. It emphasizes issues like overcrowded slums, pollution, lack of resources, limited governance power, and the need for better urban development policies.
For detailed information on Challenges faced by the Urban Policy Framework in India read this article here
What are the global urban challenges?
- Global cities face multiple challenges, especially climate change, poverty, inequality, and environmental issues.
- Approximately 4.7 billion people (57.5% of the global population) now live in urban areas, with this number expected to double by 2050.
- Rapid urbanisation in the Global South worsens challenges due to limited resources and weak infrastructure.
- Many cities struggle with housing shortages, lack of clean water, and poor sanitation.
- Urban centres are vulnerable to climate-related events like urban flooding.
- Poverty-driven urbanisation, particularly in developing countries, highlights the need for sustainable development policies and resilient infrastructure.
How is urbanisation different in India?
- India’s urbanisation differs from the Global North, where urbanisation followed industrial growth, creating jobs that absorbed rural workers.
- Western urbanisation was supported by colonial wealth transfers; economist Utsa Patnaik estimates India contributed over $45 trillion to Britain’s economy during colonial rule.
- India’s urbanisation is primarily “poverty-driven,” fueled by economic distress rather than industrialisation.
- Migration includes both rural-to-urban and urban-to-urban movement.
- COVID-19 highlighted urban planning gaps as reverse migration surged.
What challenges do Indian cities face?
- Outdated Urban Planning: Plans are not updated to match population growth. Many displaced industrial workers move to peri-urban slums.
- High Slum Population: 40% of India’s urban population lives in slums with poor sanitation and water access.
- Severe Pollution: Delhi NCR has eight of India’s ten most polluted cities, impacting health.
- Climate Vulnerability: Cities face urban flooding and heat island effects.
- Governance Limitations: Elected city officials have limited power, with just 0.5% GDP in transfers.
- Rising Inequality: Urban planning focuses on capital growth, leaving millions without basic housing and services.
Why is governance a problem in Indian cities?
- Lack of Autonomy: Elected city representatives have limited control over urban planning. Urban governance is often managed by parastatals and private entities, reducing local input and accountability.
- Ineffective Implementation of Laws: Despite the 74th Constitutional Amendment aiming to empower urban local governments, less than three of the 18 mandated functions have been effectively transferred to these governments.
- Insufficient Funding: Urban local bodies receive only about 0.5% of GDP in intergovernmental transfers, severely limiting their operational capacity and ability to improve infrastructure and services.
- Overlooked by National Policies: There is a disconnect between national policies and local needs, leading to inefficient and inadequate urban planning and management
Why does World Cities Day matter for India?
World Cities Day stresses the need for urgent change in Indian cities. Challenges like climate change, poverty, and poor infrastructure show the need for effective, people-focused policies. Comprehensive national strategies are essential to address these urban issues.
Question for practice:
Examine how the challenges of urbanization in Indian cities differ from those faced by cities in the Global North.
GS PAPER - 2
India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute in the Palk Bay
Source: The post India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute in the Palk Bay has been created, based on the article “Sharing resources: Fishermen from both sides of the Palk Bay must meet to resolve dispute” published in “The Hindu” on 4th November 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Internatonal Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.
Context: The article discusses the India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute in the Palk Bay. It highlights India’s push for fishermen talks, the arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen, and calls for solutions like deep-sea fishing, ecosystem conservation, and political support for an agreement.
For detailed information on India-Sri Lanka Fishing Dispute read this article here
What is the main issue in the India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute?
- The main issue is fishing rights in the Palk Bay. Fishermen from Tamil Nadu are often arrested for crossing into Sri Lankan waters.
- These arrests create tension. Sri Lanka charges the fishermen with trespassing and destructive practices, like bottom trawling.
- As of October 27, 2023, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, reported 30 incidents of arrests this year. Currently, 140 fishermen and 200 boats are in Sri Lankan custody.
What are India’s efforts for a resolution?
- India encourages dialogue between fishermen of both countries. At the sixth India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries in Colombo on October 29, India pushed for these talks.
- Fishermen from Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province of Sri Lanka have expressed support.
- In Rameswaram, fishermen staged a protest on October 25 to demand talks. Earlier, Northern Province fishermen had asked for discussions with Tamil Nadu counterparts.
How is Sri Lanka responding?
- Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stressed the need to protect Sri Lanka’s interests. He supports a long-term solution that respects both sides.
- The upcoming parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka, in mid-November, may impact the environment for talks.
Why does India consider the issue humanitarian?
- India highlights the humanitarian aspect of the dispute. Many Tamil Nadu fishermen depend on these waters for their livelihood.
2. Long detentions and severe fines on repeat offenders worsen their economic hardship.
3. India has pushed for alternative fishing methods, like deep-sea fishing, to lessen their dependence on contested waters.
What environmental concerns are involved?
- Conserving the marine ecosystem is crucial. Sri Lanka opposes bottom trawling, which harms the seabed and affects fish populations.
- Fishermen from the Northern Province have complained about its impact. India aims to promote alternative, sustainable fishing methods among Tamil Nadu fishermen.
What possible solutions exist?
- Promote deep-sea fishing for Tamil Nadu’s fishermen, as India initiated in 2017.
- Help Sri Lankan fishermen, especially in the Northern Province, to rebuild post-civil war.
- Revisit a 2010 understanding between both countries’ fishermen.
- Allow Tamil Nadu fishermen a transition period to adopt new fishing methods.
Question for practice:
Examine the main issues and efforts toward resolution in the India-Sri Lanka fishing dispute in the Palk Bay, considering the humanitarian, environmental, and political aspects involved.
India-Iran Partnership Strengthens Through Strategic Cooperation at BRICS Summit
Source: The post India-Iran partnership strengthens through strategic cooperation at BRICS summit has been created, based on the article “The BRICS summit boost to India-Iran ties” published in “The Hindu” on 4th November 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context: The article discusses the recent meeting between India and Iran at the 16th BRICS Summit. Both countries aim to strengthen their partnership, focusing on issues like the Gaza conflict, energy supplies, and military cooperation. The meeting emphasizes their untapped potential for collaboration.
For detailed information on BRICS Plus Grouping- Significance and Challenges read this article here
What Was the Focus of the India-Iran Meeting at the BRICS Summit?
- The India-Iran meeting at the BRICS Summit focused on strengthening bilateral relations.
- Discussions highlighted India’s influence in global arenas, such as facilitating Iran’s entry into organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS in 2023.
- Key areas for potential cooperation were also discussed, including the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- Iran’s President acknowledged India’s growing global role and its potential to aid in de-escalating the Gaza conflict, demonstrating the trust and diplomatic capital India holds in international matters.
Why Is Iran Important to India?
- Energy Reserves: Iran holds 24% of West Asia’s oil reserves and 12% of the world’s natural gas reserves, vital for India’s energy security.
- Oil Supplies: Before 2019, Iran met nearly 12% of India’s crude oil needs.
For detailed information on Challenges Between India and Iran Bilateral Ties read this article here
What Are the Key Areas of Cooperation?
- Chabahar Port: India and Iran have a 10-year contract to operate this port, which provides a strategic trade route and helps in delivering humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
- Energy Supplies: Iran was a major oil supplier to India before sanctions. Discussions are ongoing about restarting oil and gas imports from Iran.
- Military and Security: The potential for military cooperation and joint counterterrorism efforts are significant, especially given the common concerns about terrorism in the region.
How Can India and Iran Improve Their Relationship?
- India’s ability to maintain independent relationships with countries that have conflicts with each other (like Iran and Israel) is key.
- However, sensitive comments from leaders can sometimes hinder these ties.
- Both nations aim to focus on their long-term partnership beyond occasional controversies.
Question for practice:
Examine how India’s relationship with Iran can be strengthened through strategic areas of cooperation, as discussed at the BRICS Summit.
GS PAPER - 3
Reasons for the shortage of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer
Source: The post reasons for the shortage of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer has been created, based on the article “Express View on DAP crisis: Lessons from a fertiliser shortage” published in “Indian Express” on 4th November 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture -Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies.
Context: The article discusses India’s shortage of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer, caused by poor planning and outdated price controls. This shortage affects farmers’ planting. It suggests replacing price controls with per-acre payments to encourage efficient fertilizer use. Reasons for the shortage of di-ammonium phosphate fertilizer
For detailed information on India’s fertilizer situation amid global crises read this article here
What are the reasons for the shortage of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer?
- Low Opening Stocks: Only 15-16 lakh tonnes (lt) of DAP were available as opening stocks on October 1, compared to the recommended 27-30 lt, highlighting poor advance planning.
- Reduced Imports: DAP imports were just 19.7 lt during April-September, down from 34.5 lt in the same period of 2023, limiting supply.
- Decreased Domestic Production: Domestic production fell to 21.5 lt from 23.3 lt, further reducing available DAP for the rabi season.
- Unviable Pricing Due to Price Controls: The government allows an MRP of Rs 27,000 per tonne and provides a subsidy of Rs 21,911. Combined, these do not cover the full cost (including import, bagging, and distribution) of Rs 65,000 per tonne, making it unprofitable for companies to import DAP.
- High Demand for Sowing Season: Farmers require DAP during sowing for crops like mustard, potato, and wheat. Good monsoon rains and crop prices have increased their enthusiasm to plant, intensifying demand.
- Farmers Paying Extra: Due to the shortage, farmers reportedly pay Rs 250-350 more than the government-fixed price of Rs 1,350 per 50-kg bag.
What should be done?
- Encourage alternative fertilizers: Promote the use of complexes and water-soluble fertilizers which are more efficient and can be directly applied to the crop’s root zone.
- Replace price controls and product-specific subsidies with flat per-acre payments each crop season, conditional on nutrient purchase. This proposal aims to encourage efficient fertilizer choices, benefiting crop growth directly.
Question for practice:
Examine the factors contributing to the shortage of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer in India and suggest potential solutions to address this issue.
India’s Stock Growth vs. China’s Wage Rise: A Comparative Analysis
Source: The post India’s Stock Growth vs. China’s Wage Rise: A Comparative Analysis has been created, based on the article “India could not create mass prosperity. It’s not too late” published in “Indian Express” on 4th November 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Economy-growth, and development
Context: The article discusses why China grew wages but had weak stock returns, while India saw strong stock returns but low wage growth. To improve, India needs more manufacturing jobs, fewer farmers, and better policies for domestic production and employer support.
For detailed information on Macroeconomic differences between India and China read this article here
Why has China achieved strong wage growth but weak stock returns, while India shows the reverse?
- China’s Wage Growth: China’s economic model prioritized manufacturing and moved millions from farms to factories, increasing productivity and wages. This transition lifted incomes as people moved to higher-paying, urban jobs.
- China’s Weak Stock Returns: Public market shareholder returns in China have been weak, averaging about minus 13% over the last 20 years. This may reflect state-driven policies that emphasize wage growth over maximizing shareholder profits.
- India’s Strong Stock Returns: India delivered strong stock market returns, around 1,300% over 20 years. This reflects a growing domestic market and investor-friendly policies.
- India’s Weak Wage Growth: India’s job structure remains limited, with only 11% in manufacturing. Many people work in low-productivity, informal jobs, especially in agriculture, which hampers wage growth despite economic reforms.
- Conclusion: China’s factory-driven growth supports wages; India’s stock-driven growth boosts shareholder returns.
How has India progressed since independence?
- India has established the world’s largest democracy since 1947, overcoming challenges from its hierarchical society.
- Life expectancy rose significantly from 31 years at independence to 68 years today.
- India is now a middle-income country, although it faces limited social mobility — middle-income nations see 40% lower mobility than high-income ones.
- Only 11% of India’s workforce is in manufacturing, with 45% in agriculture, leading to “employed poverty.”
- According to the World Bank, only 34 middle-income countries (with a total population of 250 million, equal to Uttar Pradesh) have reached high-income status since 1990.
Why hasn’t India moved more workers from farms to factories?
- India hasn’t moved more workers from farms to factories mainly because of regulatory burdens.
- Excessive compliance requirements, frequent filings, and criminalisation make it hard for small businesses to grow.This “regulatory cholesterol” hurts small and informal firms more than big companies.
3. It’s not due to shortages of land, labor, or capital: Land is ample; every household could get half an acre. Labor is available; 30% are in employed poverty. Capital is flowing; 50% of FDI since 1947 came in the last five years.
What should be done?
- Reduce Regulatory Burden: Simplify compliance requirements that hinder small and informal businesses. Support initiatives like Jan Vishwas 2.0, Enterprise Digilocker, and the National Open Compliance Grid.
- Strengthen Domestic Production Policies: Promote local production through tariffs and non-tariff barriers, as seen in the auto industry. This can reduce dependence on imports and build competitive supply chains.
- Leverage Existing Skills: Utilize NEP 2020 and short-term training programs to ready workers for factory jobs; eight-week training suffices for tasks like cell phone assembly.
- Promote Social Mobility: Address India’s low social mobility by creating high-productivity firms that support mass prosperity and reduce poverty among employed individuals.
- Enhance Consumption-Driven Growth: Encourage industries tied to India’s domestic market, such as services, while complementing Make in India with “Make for India” strategies.
Question for practice:
Examine why India’s economic growth has led to strong stock returns but limited wage growth, while China has experienced the opposite.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
RBI’s Major Move: Repatriation of 100 Tonnes of Gold to India
Source: This post on RBI’s Major Move: Repatriation of 100 Tonnes of Gold to India has been created based on the article “Explained : Why RBI moved 100 tonnes of gold from the UK to domestic vaults” published in Economic Times on 4th November 2024.
Why in news?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently moved over 100 tonnes of gold from the UK to its domestic vaults, marking the largest repatriation since the early 1990s.
About the repatriation of 100 Tonnes of Gold to India
1. Significant Repatriation of Gold: This decision emphasizes the RBI’s evolving approach to gold reserve management and reflects confidence in India’s economic stability.
2. Rationale Behind the Move:
i) Logistical Efficiency: Bringing the gold back to India enhances logistical control and reduces dependency on foreign storage.
ii) Cost Savings: By storing the gold domestically, the RBI saves on storage fees that would have otherwise been paid to foreign custodians, such as the Bank of England.
iii) Diversified Storage: This move promotes diversified storage locations, mitigating risks associated with holding reserves abroad.
Note: As of March 2024, the RBI holds a total of 822.10 tonnes of gold. With this transfer, the quantity of gold stored domestically rose to approximately 408.31 tonnes, indicating a shift towards holding more reserves within India.
3. Strategic Approach to Foreign Exchange Reserves: The repatriation of gold showcases the RBI’s proactive strategy to safeguard India’s economic interests by reducing reliance on foreign storage facilities.
The move also aligns with a global trend among central banks to increase gold holdings, providing a hedge against currency volatility and geopolitical risks.
4. Implications for Future Actions: Following this move, the RBI may consider repatriating additional gold to India. This approach aligns with their goals of logistical efficiency, cost reduction, and further diversification of storage locations, potentially strengthening India’s economic security.
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
First scientific findings of Aditya-L1 Mission
Source: This post on First scientific findings of Aditya-L1 Mission has been created based on the article “First science result from Aditya L1, ISRO’s sun mission, is out” published in The Hindu on 4th November 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1 has released its first scientific findings.
About the Findings
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1. The first scientific result from India’s Aditya-L1 mission has been unveiled, marking a significant milestone in solar research.
2. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) which is the primary instrument onboard Aditya-L1 has successfully captured data allowing scientists to estimate the precise onset time of a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun.
3. This accomplishment is noteworthy because CMEs are powerful solar eruptions that can impact Earth’s space environment, disrupting satellite electronics and communication networks.
About Aditya-L1
1. Aditya-L1 was launched on September 2, 2023, by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
2. It is India’s first mission dedicated to solar observation.
3. VELC plays a crucial role in monitoring solar activities by observing CMEs and other energetic solar phenomena.
4. These eruptions are often visible only after they have moved some distance away from the Sun’s surface, but VELC’s unique spectroscopic capabilities allow scientists to study CMEs close to the Sun’s surface itself for the first time.
5. Scientists highlighted that VELC’s observations bring unique insights into the thermodynamic properties of CMEs near the Sun, offering a closer view of their source regions.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
Namo Drone Didi
Source: This post on Namo Drone Didi has been created based on the article “Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has released the Operational Guidelines of Central Sector Scheme “NAMO DRONE DIDI” published in PIB on 4th November 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, the Government has launched the operational guideline for Central Sector Scheme “Namo Drone Didi”.
About Namo Drone Didi
Aspects | Description |
About | 1. This scheme is to empower Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the DAY-NRLM program. 2. This initiative supports women SHGs in providing drone-based agricultural services to farmers. 3. Drones will be procured by LFCs and owned by the Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs. |
Duration | The scheme is planned for 2024-2026. |
Aim | It aims to introduce technological advancements in agriculture to enhance crop efficiency and reduce costs. |
Objective | i) Empower women SHGs with drone technology. ii) Improve agricultural efficiency through advanced technology. iii) Support SHGs in generating additional income through rental services. |
Implementation Structure | Central Level Governance: It was led by an Empowered Committee of Secretaries from relevant departments, including Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural Development, Fertilizers, Civil Aviation, and Women & Child Development. |
Financial Assistance and Subsidies | i) Central Financial Assistance: 80% subsidy on the cost of drone packages, with a cap of ₹8 lakhs per SHG. ii) Additional Loan Options: SHGs can raise the remaining balance through loans under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with a 3% interest subvention, or from other sources. |
Drone Package Details | i) Equipment Package: It includes drone with spray assembly, batteries, charger, camera, and protective equipment. ii) Additional Support: Four spare battery sets, spare propeller sets, nozzle set, and tools to ensure continuous drone operation. iii) Maintenance: One-year onsite warranty, two-year annual maintenance contract, and one-year comprehensive insurance. |
Training and Skill Development | i) Pilot Training: A 15-day course for selected SHG members, including drone operation and agricultural applications. ii) Drone Assistant Training: Training for other SHG members or family members for drone repairs and maintenance. iii)Management Information System (MIS): A dedicated “Drone Portal” will enable end-to-end monitoring, including service delivery, funds flow, and real-time tracking of drone usage. |
Benefits | i) Sustainable Livelihoods for SHGs: It provides SHGs with a source of additional income. ii) Enhanced Agricultural Efficiency: Drones will improve crop yield and reduce operational costs for farmers. |
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
VAJRA PRAHAR Exercise
Source: The post is based on the article “INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR INDIA- US JOINT SPECIAL FORCES EXERCISE ‘VAJRA PRAHAR’” published in “PIB” on 4th November 2024
Why in the News?
Recently, the Indian Army departed for the VAJRA PRAHAR Exercise with the US.
About VAJRA PRAHAR Exercise
Aspects | Description |
About | 1. This is the 15th edition of the India-US joint Special Forces exercise VAJRA PRAHAR. 2. The previous edition was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya in December 2023. 3. It is the second joint exercise between the Indian and US Army in 2024, following Exercise YUDH ABHYAS held in Rajasthan in September. |
Location of Exercise | Orchard Combat Training Centre, Idaho, USA |
Duration | November 2 – November 22, 2024 |
Participants | Each contingent consists of 45 personnel. Indian Army represented by Special Forces units and US Army represented by Green Berets. |
Objectives of Exercise | i) Strengthen military cooperation and partnership between India and the US. ii) Enhance interoperability, joint tactics, and mutual understanding in special operations. |
Focus Areas of Training | i) Physical Fitness: Emphasis on maintaining high levels of physical preparedness. ii) Joint Planning and Tactical Drills: Collaborative strategies for mission execution. iii) Special Operations Tactics: Desert and semi-desert operations. |
Expected Outcomes | i) Improved combined capabilities for joint Special Forces Operations. ii) Exchange of best practices and operational experiences. iii) Development of camaraderie and mutual trust between the forces. |
UPSC Syllabus: Defence exercise
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Source: This post on Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has been created based on the article “Union Government initiates enquiry into the death of Elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh” published in PIB on 4th November 2024.
Why in news?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change’s Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has set up a team to investigate the death of ten elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Aspects | Description |
About | i) It is situated in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The reserve is part of the Vindhya Hills and spans an area of 1,536 sq km. ii) It was originally declared a national park in 1968 and later became a tiger reserve in 1993 under Project Tiger. iii) Bandhavgarh Fort which is an ancient fort, said to be over 2,000 years old. It is situated on a hill inside the reserve. iv) The park consists of three distinct areas i.e. ‘Bandhavgarh National Park’, ‘Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary’ which make up the “Core Area” and the adjoining notified “Buffer Area” spread across the districts of Umaria, Shahdol and Katni. |
Adjacent protected areas | Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve lies between two other major protected Areas of Madhya Pradesh: Kanha Tiger Reserve on the southern side and Sanjay National Park on the north-eastern side. |
Terrain | It is characterized by rugged cliffs, dense forests, and open meadows, creating a diverse habitat for wildlife. |
Fauna | It features a mix of Sal forests, mixed deciduous forests, grasslands, and bamboo stretches. |
Fauna | The Prominent mammal species of Bandhavgarh are spotted deer or Chital, Sambar, barking deer or Muntja, Chousingha or Four-horned antilope, Nilgai or Blue bull, Indian Gazelle or Chinkara, Gaur, Tiger, Leopard, Wild dog or Dhole, Hyaena, Indian Wolf, Jackal, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Common langur and Rhesus monkey. |
Cultural and Ecotourism Importance | Ecotourism Initiatives: Focus on sustainable tourism helps fund conservation efforts and supports local livelihoods. Cultural Heritage: The reserve is dotted with ancient caves and temples that add cultural depth to the wildlife experience. |
Conservation Efforts | i) Bandhavgarh is a critical part of the Project Tiger initiative aimed at protecting Bengal tigers and their habitats. ii) Anti-Poaching Measures: Continuous patrolling and surveillance systems are in place to prevent poaching and protect wildlife. iii) Community Involvement: The reserve collaborates with local communities to promote eco-tourism and spread awareness about wildlife conservation. |
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
Exercise ‘GARUD SHAKTI’
Source: This post on Exercise ‘GARUD SHAKTI’ has been created based on the article “INDIAN ARMY SPECIAL FORCES CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR INDONESIA FOR JOINT EXERCISE ‘GARUD SHAKTI” published in PIB on 4th November 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, Indian Army personnel departed for Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia, to participate in the 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24.
About EXERCISE ‘GARUD SHAKTI’
Aspects | Description |
Location | Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia |
Duration | 1st to 12th November 2024 |
Participants | Indian Contingent involving 25 personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Indonesian Contingent involving 40 personnel from the Indonesian Special Forces Kopassus. |
Objective | i) Enhance Cooperation and Interoperability: Strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation, and interoperability between Indian and Indonesian Special Forces. ii) Exchange of Best Practices: Share information on weaponry, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques, and procedures. iii) Cultural Exchange: Gain insights into each other’s culture and lifestyle to foster stronger military cooperation. |
Activities and Training Focus | i) Special Operations Training: Planning and executing special operations and advancing special forces skills. ii) Joint Tactical Exercises: Conducting joint tactical drills, including special Forces operations in jungle terrain, Simulated strikes on terrorist camps and a Validation Exercise integrating basic and advanced special forces skills |
Significance | i) Strengthening Bilateral Relations: This exercise enhances military cooperation and strengthens bonds between the Indian and Indonesian armies. ii) Shared Security Objectives: It provides a platform to work towards common security goals. iii) Skill Development and Exchange: It offers an opportunity to share expertise and best practices in special forces operations. |
UPSC Syllabus: Defence exercises