Defense Exercises in News for UPSC IAS Prelims Examination
India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone
January 23, 2024↓Source-This post is based on the article “Indian army special forces contingent reaches Egypt for Joint Exercise CYCLONE” published in “PIB” on 22nd January 2024.
Why in the News?
India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone, A 25-member Indian Army contingent has arrived in Egypt for the 2nd edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise, CYCLONE. It will be conducted at Anshas, Egypt from January 22 to February 1, 2024.
What is Exercise CYCLONE?
Aspect Details About It is a Joint Special Forces exercise between India and Egypt. Aim To enhance mutual understanding of operational protocols for desert/semi-desert Special Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. First Edition 2023 (India) Features of 2nd Edition 1. The Indian contingent is being represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
2. Egyptian contingent is being represented by Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.
3. The Exercise will involve planning and execution of special operations in sub conventional domain and will be conducted in three phases.Significance 1. It will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond and share best practices.
2. It will serve as a platform to achieve common security goals and enhance ties between two friendly nations.UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises
DESERT CYCLONE: India-UAE Joint Military Exercise
January 3, 2024↓Source– This post is based on the article “India-UAE Joint Military Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ commences in Rajasthan” published in “PIB” on 2nd January 2024.
Why in the News?
A 45-member UAE Land Forces group has arrived in India for the inaugural India-UAE Joint Military Exercise, ‘DESERT CYCLONE.’
What is ‘DESERT CYCLONE’?
Aspect Details What is it? It is a joint military exercise between India and UAE. Aim 1) To improve interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations, including Fighting in Built-Up Area (FIBUA) in desert/semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the UN Charter on Peacekeeping Operations.
2) To achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.Started in 2024 (First Edition) Participating contingents 1) Indian Army– Represented by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
2) UAE- Represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade.Significance 1) It will enhance cooperation and interoperability between both the sides during Peace Keeping Operations.
2) It will also foster collaborative partnership and help in sharing best practices between the two sides.UPSC Syllabus- Miscellaneous (Defence)
VINBAX-2023: Joint Military Exercise
December 12, 2023↓Source – This post is based on the article “VINBAX-2023: INDIAN ARMED FORCES CONTINGENT REACHES HANOI FOR JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE” published in “PIB” on 11th December 2023.
Why in the News?
The Indian Armed Forces contingent arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam for the fourth edition of Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023.
What is Exercise VINBAX?
Specification Details What is it? It’s an annual training event held alternately in India and Vietnam. Participating Nations India and Vietnam Type Military Exercise Started in 2018 (First edition-Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) Aim To enhance collaboration, promote interoperability, and share best practices under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations. What are the key features of 2023 edition of Exercise VINBAX?
1) The joint exercise promotes idea exchange and collaborative rehearsal of tactics, techniques, and procedures.
2)They will perform technical military operations aligned with scenarios resembling global deployment of United Nations’ contingents.
3) This joint effort enhances understanding, interoperability, and strengthens defense cooperation between the friendly armies.
UPSC Syllabus- Defence/ Miscellaneous
MAHASAGAR: Indian Navy’s outreach initiative between Maritime Heads
December 1, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “MAHASAGAR: Indian Navy’s outreach initiative between Maritime Heads” published in “PIB” on 30th November 2023
Why in the News?
Indian Navy has successfully conducted the first edition of the MAHASAGAR: Indian Navy’s outreach initiative between Maritime Heads.
What is MAHASAGAR?
Specifications Details Hosted by Indian Navy Purpose It is a high level interaction between the Maritime Heads of the Indian Ocean Region. Full Form Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region. Aim To promote security and growth for all in the Indian Ocean Region Participating countries Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania Theme ‘Collective Maritime Approach towards Countering Common Challenges’ Significance This interaction is in line with the Government of India’s vision of SAGAR(Security and Growth for All in the Region). UPSC Syllabus: Defence
9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) conducted by Indian Coast Guard
November 27, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) conducted by Indian Coast Guard” published in “PIB” on 26th November 2023
Why in the News?
The 9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard off Vadinar, Gujarat.
What is Exercise NATPOLREX?
Specifications Details What is it It is a marine oil spill preparedness exercise. Conducted by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Objectives 1) To test the level of preparedness and coordination between various resource agencies to respond to a marine oil spill.
2) To implement the guidelines as contained in the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP)What is the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP)?
Specifications Details What is it It outlines the steps required for the management of responses to marine oil spills Promulgated in 1996 (and updated in 2014) Prepared by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Nodal Authority National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs. Objectives of the plan 1) To establish an effective system for detection and reporting of oil spills;
2) To establish adequate measures for preparedness for oil and chemical pollution;
3) To facilitate rapid and effective response to oil pollution;
4) To establish record-keeping procedures to facilitate recovery of costs;
5) To maintain the evidence for the purpose of identifying the polluter and taking suitable administrative, civil or criminal action against the polluter.What is the role of ICG in oil spills?
1) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) functions as the Central Coordinating Authority for response to Oil spills in Indian waters.
2) ICG formulated the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) which is the apex plan for responding to oil spill disasters in Indian waters.
3) At present, it operates three Pollution Response Vessels also known as Pollution Control Vessels – ICGS Samudra Prahari, ICGS Samudra Paheredar and ICGS Samudra Pavak. These vessels are fitted with specific equipment to deal with chemical and oil spills at sea.
4) It has also established four Pollution Response Centers at Mumbai, Chennai, Port Blair and Vadinar.
UPSC Syllabus: Exercises in News
Exercise SURYA KIRAN: India- Nepal Joint Military Exercise
November 25, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Exercise SURYA KIRAN: India- Nepal Joint Military Exercise” published in “PIB” on 24th November 2023
Why in the News?
Nepal Army has arrived in India to participate in the 17th edition of Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN.
What is Exercise SURYA KIRAN?
Specifications Details What is it It is a joint military exercise between India and Nepal. Started in 2011 Held Annually Aim 1) To enhance interoperability in jungle warfare.
2) To train in counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain.
3) To provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under the United Nations Charter on peacekeeping operations.Significance 1) Provides a platform for soldiers from India and Nepal to exchange ideas and experiences; and foster a deeper understanding of each other’s operational procedures.
2) Helps achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly neighbours.UPSC Syllabus: Exercises in News
Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23: Indian Army contingent departs for Australia
November 23, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23: Indian Army contingent departs for Australia” published in “PIB” on 22nd November 2023.
Why in the News?
The Indian Armed Forces contingent has departed to take part in the second edition of Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23 being held in Perth, Australia.
What is Exercise AUSTRAHIND?
What is it It is a joint military exercise between India and Australia. Instituted in 2022 (The first edition was conducted in Mahajan, Rajasthan) Conducted Annually Aim To foster collaborative partnership and share best practices between the two sides. Significance The exercise will help promote exchange of ideas and jointly rehearse tactics, technique and procedures for conducting tactical operations. Other Exercises between India and Australia 1) Exercise AUSINDEX: It is a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The first edition of the exercise took place in 2015.
2) Exercise Pitch Black: It is a biennial multilateral air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) since 1981. The Indian Air Force had taken part in the exercise for the first time in 2018.UPSC Syllabus: Exercises in News
Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR: INDIA-USA JOINT EXERCISE
November 22, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR: INDIA-USA JOINT EXERCISE” published in “PIB” on 22nd November 2023
Why in the News?
The 14th Edition of the Exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR” has started at Umroi, Meghalaya.
What is Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR?
Specifications Details What is it It is a joint exercise between Indian Army and US Army Special Forces. Started in 2010 Aim To share best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics. Significance 1) Evolved as a mechanism to exchange ideas and share best practices between the Special Forces of both the nations.
2) It is a platform to enhance interoperability and strengthen defense cooperation between two countries.Other Exercises between India and US 1) Exercise Yudh Abhyas: It is a military exercise between India and the US.
2) Exercise Tiger Triumph: It is a tri-service military exercise between India and the US.
3) Exercise Cope India: It is a series of bilateral Air Force exercises between India and the United States.UPSC Syllabus: Exercises in News
Exercise MITRA SHAKTI: India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise
November 20, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI: India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise” published in “PIB” on 16th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Ninth Edition of Joint Military exercise “Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2023” has started in Pune, India.
What is Exercise MITRA SHAKTI?
Specification Details Conducted between India and Sri Lanka Type Military Exercise Started in 2012 Conducted Annually Aim To jointly rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter which authorizes the UN Security Council to take enforcement measures including the use of military force, to address threats to international peace and security. Other exercises between India and Sri Lanka Exercise SLINEX: It is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navy. It was started in 2005. The 10th edition of the exercise was held in April, 2023 in Colombo. UPSC Syllabus: Exercises in News
Exercise BONGOSAGAR: India & Bangladesh Navies Undertake BONGOSAGAR
November 15, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Exercise BONGOSAGAR: India & Bangladesh Navies Undertake BONGOSAGAR” published in “PIB” on 15th November 2023
Why in the News?
The 4th edition of Exercise BONGOSAGAR was conducted in the Northern Bay of Bengal.
What is Exercise BONGOSAGAR?
Specification Details Conducted between India and Bangladesh Type Naval Exercise Started in 2019 Conducted Annually Aim To develop a high degree of interoperability and joint operational skills through the conduct of a wide spectrum of maritime exercises and operations between the two navies Participation Indian Navy Ships Kuthar, Kiltan and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Dornier participated in the exercise. Other exercises between India and Bangladesh Exercise SAMPRITI: It is an annual joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh UPSC Syllabus: Defence Exercises in News