Defense Exercises in News for UPSC IAS Prelims Examination
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.
Army’s Project Udbhav to rediscover ‘Indic heritage of statecraft’ from ancient texts
October 3, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Army’s Project Udbhav to rediscover ‘Indic heritage of statecraft’ from ancient texts” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd October 2023
What is the News?
The Indian Army in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI), has recently concluded a hybrid-panel discussion as part of Project Udbhav
What is Project Udbhav?
Started in: 2021
Started by: Indian Army in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India, a defence think-tank.
Aim: To rediscover the profound Indic heritage of statecraft and strategic thoughts derived from ancient Indian texts of statecraft, warcraft, diplomacy and grand strategy.
The project focuses on various aspects such as Indigenous Military Systems, Historical Texts, Regional Texts and Kingdoms, Thematic Studies and intricate Kautilya Studies.
Objective: Project Udbhav seeks to bridge the historical and the contemporary.Its ultimate goal is to understand the profound depths of indigenous military systems, their evolution, strategies that have been passed down through the ages and integrate that age-old wisdom with modern military pedagogy.
– By reintroducing these classical teachings into contemporary military and strategic domains, the army aims to: nurture its officers to apply ancient wisdom in modern scenarios and allow a more profound understanding of international relations and foreign cultures.
Significance: This project stands testimony to the Indian Army’s recognition of India’s age-old wisdom in statecraft, strategy, diplomacy and warfare.
Indian Coast Guard Pollution-Control Vessel Samudra Prahari visits Tanjung Priok Port, Indonesia
October 3, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Indian Coast Guard Pollution-Control Vessel Samudra Prahari visits Tanjung Priok Port, Indonesia” published in “PIB” on 3rd October 2023.
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What is the News?
Indian Coast Guard Ship(ICGS) Samudra Prahari has arrived at the port of Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Why has ICGS ship Samudra Prahari been deployed in Indonesia?
The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution Control Vessel, has embarked on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.
The initiative was announced during the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus meeting in Cambodia in November 2022.
During this deployment, the ship is scheduled to make port calls in Bangkok(Thailand), Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), and Jakarta(Indonesia).
Moreover, the ship has aboard 13 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, who will participate actively in the “Puneet Sagar Abhiyan” thereby giving the Abhiyan an international reach.
Significance: This initiative underscores India’s expertise and collaborative efforts in tackling regional maritime challenges, particularly those related to marine pollution threats.
– It also aligns seamlessly with India’s visionary approach, as outlined by the Prime Minister encapsulated in “SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region”.
What is Samudra Prahari?
What is Puneet Sagar Abhiyan?
First ever drone exhibition cum display ‘Bharat Drone Shakti 2023’ inaugurated by Raksha Mantri at Hindan Air Force Station
September 26, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “First ever drone exhibition cum display ‘Bharat Drone Shakti 2023’ inaugurated by Raksha Mantri at Hindan Air Force Station” published in PIB on 26th September 2023
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What is the News?
The Defence Minister has inaugurated the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at the Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The minister also formally inducted the first C-295 MW transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force(IAF).
What is Bharat Drone Shakti?
Bharat Drone Shakt is a collaborative effort between the Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India (DFI).
Aim: To present the full potential of the Indian drone industry with an impressive lineup of over 50 live aerial demonstrations.
– These demonstrations will encompass a diverse range of drone applications, including survey drones, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance drones, drone swarms and counter-drone solutions.
What are the key highlights from Bharat Drone Shakti-2023?
A compact drone system designed for easy transport on motorbikes was exhibited at the drone show.
These motorbikes are equipped to carry unassembled drones, providing an efficient means of deploying technology across rural terrains.
What is a C-295 MW Aircraft?
Defence Board discusses plan for second Vikrant-like carrier
September 25, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Defence Board discusses plan for second Vikrant-like carrier” published in The Hindu on 25th September 2023
What is the News?
The Defence Procurement Board (DPB) recently discussed the Navy’s proposal for a second Vikrant-like aircraft carrier, but the proposal has not yet received clearance.
The final approval will be sought from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by the Defence Minister.
Which are the aircraft carriers currently operated by the Indian Navy?
INS Vikrant (IAC-1):
INS Vikrant is India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC).It was commissioned in September 2022.
It is a 262-meter-long carrier.It has a full displacement of close to 45,000 tonnes which is much larger and advanced than her predecessor.
The ship is powered by four Gas Turbines totaling 88 MW power and has a maximum speed of 28 Knots.It has an overall indigenous content of 76%.
The ship is capable of operating an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft.
The ship is also using a novel aircraft-operation mode known as STOBAR (Short Take- Off but Arrested Landing).
It is also equipped with a ski- jump for launching aircraft, and a set of ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery onboard.
INS Vikramaditya- Indian Navy’s Biggest Ship:
Russia’s refurbished Admiral Gorshkov was commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS Vikramaditya at Severodvinsk, Russia in 2013.
It is a state-of-the-art ship, capable of operating a versatile range of high-performance aircrafts, such as the MiG 29K fighters, KM 31 AEW helicopters, multi-role Seakings and utility Chetaks.
The ship is over 285 meters long and 60 meters wide, making it the biggest ship in the Indian Navy.
With over 1,600 personnel on board, INS Vikramaditya is literally a ‘Floating City’.
The ship is capable of operations up to a range of over 7,000 nautical miles or 13000 kms. The ship also has the ability to carry over 30 aircrafts.
Indian naval ship Sahyadri participates in the maiden India-Indonesia-Australia Trilateral Maritime Exercise
September 23, 2023↓Source: The post is based on the article “Indian naval ship Sahyadri participates in the maiden India-Indonesia-Australia Trilateral Maritime Exercise” published in PIB on 23rd September 2023
Contents
What is the News?
Indian Navy’s indigenously built warship INS Sahyadri has participated in the maiden trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise with the ships and aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Indonesian Navy.
What is the purpose of this Trilateral exercise?
The trilateral exercise aimed to bolster the partnership between India, Australia, and Indonesia, fostering a collective effort to enhance stability, peace, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
It also offered an invaluable opportunity for the participating navies to share their knowledge and expertise.
What is INS Sahyadri?
INS Sahyadri is the third ship of the indigenously designed and built Project-17 class multi-role stealth frigates.
It was built at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai.
What are the other exercises between India and Indonesia?
Exercise Samudra Shakti: It is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Indonesia.It aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship, enhance mutual understanding and interoperability in maritime operations between the two navies.
Exercise Garuda Shakti: It is an annual military exercise between the Indian and Indonesian Army. It is conducted on a reciprocal basis and its first edition was conducted in the year 2012 in India.
IND-INDO CORPAT: It is a bi-annual coordinated naval patrol exercise conducted along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) by the Indian and Indonesian Navy.
What are the other exercises between India and Australia?
Exercise AUSTRA HIND: It is a bilateral training exercise between the Indian Army and the Australian Army.
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.
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.
