Defense Exercises in News for UPSC IAS Prelims Examination
Defence Minister launches ‘Project UDBHAV’
October 23, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Defence Minister launches ‘Project UDBHAV’” published in “PIB” on 23rd October 2023
Contents
What is the News?
The Defence Minister has launched ‘Project UDBHAV’.
What is Project UDBHAV?
Launched by: Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India (USI), a defence services think tank.
Aim: To revive and integrate India’s ancient military wisdom with contemporary military practices.
Objectives of the project:
– Understanding ancient military systems and India’s indigenous military culture.
– Studying the evolution of the Indian military system and strategic ideas.
– Educating junior and senior military leaders about concepts in classical texts.
– Creating a knowledge resource for scholars and defense personnel.
– Considering the inclusion of historical military concepts in modern practices.
Features: The project involves organizing events and workshops focusing on various aspects of India’s strategic culture.
– It will culminate in a publication scheduled for January 2024, which will document and institutionalize this knowledge.
What are the major military practices Project UDBHAV takes inspiration from?
Chanakya’s Arthashastra: It emphasizes strategic partnerships, alliances, and diplomacy.This aligns with modern military practices like international cooperation and soft power projection.
Thirukkural: It is authored by Tamil philosopher Thiruvalluvar.It promotes ethical conduct in all endeavors, including warfare.This aligns with modern military codes of ethics and principles of the Geneva Convention.
Prominent Military Campaigns and Leaders: The project examines historical examples like the empires of Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka and the Cholas.
Clever Diplomacy and Military Intelligence: Explores instances of clever diplomatic negotiations, psychological warfare and military intelligence.The Naval Battle of Saraighat in 1671, led by Lachit Borphukan, exemplifies these strategies.
What is the significance of Project UDBHAV?
By combining ancient wisdom with contemporary military education and operations, Project UDBHAV is preparing a strong, forward-looking Indian Army.
Navy gets delivery of Imphal, its first warship with separate living spaces for women sailors
October 23, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Navy gets delivery of Imphal, its first warship with separate living spaces for women sailors” published in “Hindustan Times” on 23rd October 2023
What is the News?
The Indian Navy has received its latest stealth destroyer named INS Imphal.
What is INS Imphal?
INS Imphal is the third ship to be launched under Project 15-B.
Designed by: Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau
Built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
Features:
— The ship has indigenous content of around 75%.
– The ship is armed with supersonic Surface-to-Surface ‘Brahmos’ missiles and ‘Barak-8’ Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles. T
– It can accommodate a crew of 312 persons.It has an endurance of 4,000 nautical miles and can carry out a typical 42-day mission.
– It is propelled by a powerful Combined Gas and Gas Propulsion Plant (COGAG), consisting of four reversible gas turbines, which enables Imphal to achieve a speed of over 30 knots (approximately 55 kilometers per hour).
Significance: INS Imphal is the first warship with separate accommodation for women sailors.
Mid-Planning Conference For Multilateral Naval Exercise (MILAN) – 24
October 21, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Mid-Planning Conference For Multilateral Naval Exercise (MILAN) – 24” published in “PIB” on 21st October 2023
What is the News?
The Mid Planning Conference (MPC) of MILAN 24 (Multilateral Naval Exercise – 2024) was hosted by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam.
What is Exercise MILAN?
Type: Biennial multilateral naval exercise
Started by: Indian Navy in 1995
Aim: To enhance professional interaction between friendly foreign navies and learn from each other’s strengths and best practices in the maritime domain.
Countries participation: The exercise began with the participation of just four countries: Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
– Over the years, it has grown in terms of both the number of participants and the complexity of exercises.In 2022, 39 countries participated in Milan exercise.
Significance: The exercise originally aligned with India’s ‘Look East Policy’.It later expanded to include more countries as part of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
– This expansion involved nations from both the western Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the countries along the IOR coast.
Exercise MILAN 2024: It is likely to witness the largest-ever participation with invites being extended to over 50 countries.
– The exercise aligns with India’s G20 Presidency and the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” emphasizing global unity.
Gulf of Guinea: Indian Naval Ship SUMEDHA visits Nigeria
October 17, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Gulf of Guinea: Indian Naval Ship SUMEDHA visits Nigeria” published in “PIB” on 17th October 2023
What is the News?
The Indian Navy Ship (INS) SUMEDHA has made a port call to Nigeria to improve existing bilateral relations as well as security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Where is the Gulf of Guinea?
The Gulf of Guinea is the northeasternmost part of the Atlantic Ocean.
Null Island, defined as the intersection of the Equator and Prime Meridian (zero degrees latitude and longitude) is in the gulf.
Among the many rivers that drain into the Gulf of Guinea are the Niger and the Volta.
The Gulf of Guinea is known for its rich maritime resources, including oil and natural gas.It is also an important region for international shipping and trade.
However, the Gulf of Guinea is also known as the world’s hotspot for maritime piracy. Over the last 15 years container ships, fishing vessels, and oil tankers in the region have been the targets of numerous armed attacks and kidnappings.
What is INS Sumedha?
INS Sumedha is the third vessel of the indigenously designed ‘Saryu’ Class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPV).
The ship can handle various tasks both on its own and as part of the fleet.It is equipped with weapons, sensors, advanced navigation and communication systems, as well as Electronic Warfare tools.
It has been involved in different missions like supporting the fleet, patrolling the coast, monitoring the ocean, and assisting in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.
One such mission was Operation Kaveri, where it helped evacuate Indian citizens from conflict-stricken Sudan.
Study estimates count of UAVs required for the three Services
October 16, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Study estimates count of UAVs required for the three Services” published in “The Hindu” on 16th October 2023
What is the News?
Chief of Defence Staff, has initiated two studies on major military platforms used by the three Services in India.
The studies focus on unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) and armoured helicopters.
The goal of these studies is to optimize the number of platforms needed, allocate resources effectively and avoid duplication in military acquisitions.
What are the key findings of the studies?
Study on UAVs: There is a requirement of 31 MQ-9B high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAVs and 155 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs.
The procurement of the MQ-9B deal is in progress.But the allocation of the 155 MALE UAVs among the three Services is yet to be determined.
– Impact on Existing Fleet: The three Services currently operate Israeli Heron MALE UAVs.The study outcome may lead to a major upgrade in UAVs.
Helicopters: Indian Army and the Air Force are inducting the initial batch of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH).
– The Cabinet Committee on Security has also approved the procurement of 39 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the U.S.
What is AH-64 Apache?
AH-64 Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
Country of Origin: U.S
Manufacturer: Boeing
Features: It is designed and equipped with an open systems architecture to incorporate the latest communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems.
– It also has greater thrust and lift, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding.
India launches Op Ajay to bring home citizens from Israel-Hamas war zone
October 12, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “India launches Op Ajay to bring home citizens from Israel-Hamas war zone” published in “Indian Express” on 12th October 2023
What is the News?
India has launched Operation Ajay to facilitate the return of citizens from Israel amid a full-blown war with the Hamas group in Gaza.
What is Operation Ajay?
Launched by: India
Aim: To facilitate the return of citizens from Israel amid a full-blown war with the Hamas group in Gaza.
What are the other similar operations of India?
Operation Dost: It was the search and rescue operation initiated by the Government of India to aid Syria and Turkey, after the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake devastated both countries.
Operation Kaveri: It is a mission by India to evacuate its nationals from violence-hit Sudan.
Operation Ganga: It was launched to help stranded Indian nationals come back to India from Ukraine through special flights amidst the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Operation Devi Shakti: Under this Operation, Indians and foreign nationals are being evacuated from Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover of the nation.
Operation Raahat: It was launched by the Indian Armed Forces, to evacuate Indian citizens and foreign nationals of 41 countries from Yemen during the 2015 Yemen Crisis.
Operation Maitri: It was a rescue and relief operation in Nepal carried out by the government of India and Indian armed forces in the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquake.
Operation Safe Homecoming: It was an operation launched by the Indian government in 2011 to evacuate its citizens, fleeing from the Libyan Civil War.
National Security Council Secretariat organizes the 2nd Edition of the National Cyber Security Exercise ‘Bharat NCX 2023
October 11, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “National Security Council Secretariat organizes the 2nd Edition of the National Cyber Security Exercise ‘Bharat NCX 2023” published in “PIB” on 10th October 2023
What is the News?
The second edition of the National Cyber Security Exercise — ‘Bharat NCX 2023’ — is being conducted over a period of 12 days.
What is Exercise Bharat NCX 2023?
Conducted by: National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in strategic partnership with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU)
Aim: To train senior management and technical personnel of Government/Critical Sector organizations and Public and Private agencies on contemporary cyber threats and handling cyber incidents and response.
– The participants will be trained on various key cyber security areas such as Intrusion Detection Techniques, Malware Information Sharing Platform (MISP), Vulnerability Handling & Penetration Testing, Network Protocols & Data Flows, Digital Forensics etc.
Significance: Bharat NCX India will help strategic leaders to better understand cyber threats, assess readiness, and develop skills for cyber crisis management and cooperation.
– This will also help develop and test cybersecurity skills, teamwork, planning, communication, critical thinking and decision-making.
Territorial Army hires Chinese language interpreters, to induct cyber security experts next
October 9, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Territorial Army hires Chinese language interpreters, to induct cyber security experts next” published in “Indian Express” on 9th October 2023
What is the News?
The Territorial Army(TA) is recruiting Chinese language interpreters for border personnel meetings (BPM) and cyber security experts to support the Army.
What is Territorial Army(TA)?
Indian Territorial Army is an auxiliary military organization of the Indian Army.
It is a voluntary, part-time civilian force that receives military training and serves as a reserve force for the army to relieve it of static duties, to aid the civil power and to provide units for the regular Army as and when required.
Origin: The origins of India’s Territorial Army can be traced to the days of the British Raj when the British raised a territorial army through the Indian Territorial Act, 1920.
– This act divided the army into two parts — the Auxiliary Force and the Indian Territorial Force.The Auxiliary force was meant for the Europeans and Anglo-Indians, the Indian Territorial Force was for the Indians.
– Post-independence, the Territorial Army Act, 1948, was passed, resulting in the formation of the current Indian Territorial Army. The Army was inaugurated by C. Rajagopalachari in 1949.
Eligibility: Any citizen between the age of 18-42 can be a part of the TA service.
– The soldiers from the TA have to complete a mandatory two-month embodiment or service period in a year.It does not provide them a full-time career.They have the option of returning to civilian life after the two months.
Functions performed by TA: The primary role of the TA is to relieve the regular army from static duties such as road security and protection of communication lines.
– TA units are made available to the regular army as needed for specific tasks, such as aiding civil authorities during disasters or maintaining essential services.
– TA units also play a crucial role in protecting border infrastructure projects in sensitive areas, as well as railway projects in the northeast connecting Manipur and Nagaland.
– They are also involved in maintaining anti-infiltration obstacle systems along the Line of Control.
– In times of crisis, TA units can be called upon to support additional forces, as seen in the ongoing situation in Manipur.
– Ministries and state governments also frequently request the raising of TA units for various purposes, including plantation drives, petroleum supply, oil exploration and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
New defence indigenisation list has futuristic weapons, systems
October 5, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “New defence indigenisation list has futuristic weapons, systems” published in “The Hindu” on 5th October 2023
Contents
What is the News?
The Defence Minister has released the fifth Positive Indigenisation List of 98 items during the plenary session of ‘Swavlamban 2.0’.
What is Swavlamban 2.0?
What is a Positive Indigenisation List(PIL)?
The concept of the positive indigenization list entails that the Indian Armed Forces, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, will exclusively source the listed items from domestic manufacturers.
These manufacturers may include entities from the private sector or Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
The fifth Positive Indigenisation List follows four previous PILs that were published in 2021 and 2022.
What does the fifth Positive Indigenisation List contain?
The fifth Positive Indigenisation List of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) comprises 98 items which includes highly complex systems, sensors, weapons and ammunition.
All these items will be procured from indigenous sources as per provisions given in Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 in a staggered timeline.
What are the other initiatives launched at Swavlamban 2.0?
76 challenges for the industry under the 10th Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC-10)
SBI NAVeCash Card: It is a one-of-its-kind dual-chip debit card developed by the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Indian Navy.
– The card can be used in online mode (as a regular debit card) as well as in offline mode while at sea with no direct connectivity with the bank.
– The card has been developed and tested onboard various Indian Naval ships and is now ready for launch pan-Navy.
Indian and Bangladesh armies begin Joint Exercise
October 4, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Indian and Bangladesh armies begin Joint Exercise” published in “PIB” on 4th October 2023
What is the News?
India and Bangladesh have commenced the 11th edition of annual joint military exercise called Exercise SAMPRITI in Umroi, Meghalaya.
What is Exercise SAMPRITI?
Exercise SAMPRITI is an annual joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
The exercise was started in 2009.It is organized alternatively by both countries.
Aim: To share tactical drills and promote best practices in carrying out sub-conventional operations.
What are the other exercises between India and Bangladesh?
Exercise Bongosagar: It is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Bangladesh.Its first edition was held in 2019.
