VCAS Air Marshal HS Arora witnesses Combined Guided Weapons Firing at AFS Suryalanka

• Air Marshal HS Arora PVSM AVSM ADC, Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), witnessed Surface to Air Guided Weapons Firing as a part of Combined Guided Weapons Firing  2020 at Air Force Station Suryalanka on 01 Dec 20.
• The exercise was conducted from 23 Nov to 02 Dec 2020. Indigenous Akash Missile System along with Russian short range Igla missiles were fired and engaged the Manoeuverable Expendable Aerial Targets (MEAT) providing near realistic training to the combat crew.
• While the country continues to face the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Air Force continues to hone its operational capabilities with an eye on the prevailing security situation. In his address to the air warriors, the VCAS commended the participating combat squadrons for their professionalism and also appreciated the efforts put in by the Station for organizing this exercise with requisite COVID precautions.  He urged all the air warriors to be ready to apply all lessons learnt in the CGWF 2020 to any emerging operational scenario.

Armed Forces Flag Day 2020: Raksha Mantri urges people to voluntarily contribute to AFFD Fund

• Armed Forces Flag Day will be observed all over the country on 07th December 2020 like previous years. Since 1949, the day is observed to honour the martyrs as well as men and women in uniform, who valiantly fight on our borders to safeguard the country’s honour.
• Speaking at a function organized in New Delhi on 2nd December 2020, for the customary launch of the Armed Forces Flag pinning, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh urged countrymen to voluntarily contribute to AFFD Fund. Hesaid our forces have always been fighting valiantly to safe guard the sovereignty of the country. In the process sometimes, they have even laid down their lives, leaving behind their families or were rendered disabled. “Hence the rehabilitation and welfare of our Ex Servicemen, the next of kin of our martyrs and our disabled soldiers is the responsibility of all citizens” Raksha Mantri said.
• “The Flag Day provides us an opportunity to fulfill this responsibility by contributing to the AFFD fund” he added. Noting that over 47 crore rupees were raised during 2019-20 through voluntary contributions of people, Shri Rajnath Singh expressed hope that “people of India will manifest the same spirit of voluntary contributions this year too.”
• AFFD fund is used for the rehabilitation and welfare of next of kin of those soldiers who laid their lives in the line of duty, or were rendered disabled, old, non-pensioners, widows and orphaned children. They are given financial assistance through various schemes like penury grant, education grant, widow/daughter marriage grant, disabled children grant, medical grant, house repair grant, funeral grant, orphan grant and some other grants.
• The ‘Armed forces Flag Day Fund’ (AFFDF) has been constituted by the Government of India for the welfare and rehabilitation of the Ex-Servicemen (ESM) community. There are more than 32 lakh ESM and around 60,000 ESM are added every year due to early superannuation.
• Contributions to Armed forces Flag Day Fund can be remitted through bank accounts. The details are as follows:  i) Punjab National Bank (A/c No. 3083000100179875 IFSC Code PUNB308300, Branch Sewa Bhawan, RK Puram); (ii) State Bank of India (A/c No. 34420400623, IFSC Code SBIN0001076 Branch RK Puram) and (iii) ICICI Bank A/c No. 182401001380, IFSC Code ICIC0001824 Branch RK Puram)
• Contributions to AFFDF are exempted from Income Tax vide Government of India Notification No. 78/2007 dated 26 Mar 07 and under section 80 G (5) (vi) of Income Tax Act 1961 vide Director of Income Tax (E) letter No. NQ.DIT(E)|2010-11/DEL-AE22280-04012011/2186 dated 04 Jan 11.
• Corporate contributions to AFFDF are also eligible for fulfilling the CSR obligation under section 135 of Companies Act, 2013 as it adheres to “Measures for the benefit of Armed Forces Veterans, War Widows and their dependents” (Clause VI of Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013).
• Secretary KendriyaSainik Board, Air Cmdr B. Ahluwaliasaid the month of December this year will be celebrated as “Gaurav Maah” (Pride Month) to honour the contributions of armed forces and its veterans. KSB is the apex body of the Government of India, which formulates policies for rehabilitation and welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependants.  The AFFDF is administratively controlled by KSB

VCOAS Addresses Bangladesh National Defence College on Security Challenges Post COVID -19 Pandemic

• Lt Gen SK Saini, the Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) addressed the participants of National Defence Course Bangladesh on “Security Challenges Post COVID – 19 Pandemic” via a virtual platform on 02 December 2020. Earlier in his career, the VCOAS had attended the National Defence College Bangladesh in 2011. The address covered the impact of Corona virus on the emerging world and focused on its impact on military, the security challenges and his views on ways and means to tackle them.   
• On the impact of the virus, the VCOAS said that “strategic security of most nations have been impacted due to reduction in funds for military capability and projects since vast sums of money have been diverted for urgent health requirements”. Commenting on the trend of   “De-globalisation” the Vice Chief, remarked that “many countries fuelled by ultra-nationalism are experiencing accelerated process of De-globalisation leading to closing of borders for movement of goods, people, services and even ideas”.
• He noted that “while countries are struggling to rein in the virus, certain countries have seized the opportunity to extend their influence militarily, economically and politically which does not augur well for the world community”.
• Commenting on future wars, the Vice Chief mentioned that “future wars may gravitate towards zero cost wars, wherein a very virulent pathogen may immobilise high-technology arsenal”.
• He also mentioned that “weaker militaries will continue to seek an asymmetric advantage in an unrestricted warfare milieu” while “social media will continue to be the vector of choice for the battle of narratives”.
• On the impact of COVID-19 on military, the VCOAS spoke on its impact on force readiness, training, operational logistics and HR issues highlighting that “force sustainment is a challenge due to delays in delivery schedules owing to production halts and workforce disruptions”.
• Towards suggesting recommendations for post COVID era, to the future senior military leadership attending the course, the VCOAS emphasised that the “militaries of the region must evolve a defence cooperation plan since they will become the first responders during such health disasters”. He also called for “technology-enabled solutions for integrated identification, control and management of such threats”.
• The Vice Chief stressed on the “need to re-invigorate the defence industrial base to meet sustainment and modernisation needs” and to focus on “force preservation and readiness by giving a fresh impetus to health security”. The VCOAS remarked that “use of technology in training, development of digital communication and sharing of best practices among militaries” must be the focus to tackle challenges associated with COVID-19.
• This talk by the VCOAS is a significant step in enhancing defence cooperation with Bangladesh which has remained a priority for the Indian Army given our historic, cultural and military affinity.

INS Vikrant Enters Final Phase of Sea Trials

• The announcement of the successful basin trails of INS Vikrant came on Twitter, from the official handle of Defence Public Relation Officer for Kerala, under Directorate of Public Relations of Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
• According to an Indian MoD statement made back in January this year during a visit by Indian Defence Secretary, Shri Ajay Kumar: “IAC construction is in an advanced state with all four Gas Turbines, main engines having been started, Power Generation Systems comprising of eight Diesel Alternators ready and trials of ship’s major systems and auxiliary equipment in progress. IAC had successfully completed the Pre-Contractors Sea Trials dry dock work package in Dec 2019. Basin trials are conducted for proving of the propulsion, transmission and shafting systems and is scheduled in early half of 2020. The Aircraft Carrier would be ready to commence the Sea Trials once the Basin trials are successfully completed.”
• Back in 2015, MoD announced that the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant would be delivered to the Indian Navy in December 2018. Local media reported in May 2017 that the procurement delays has been resolved and the carrier’s fitting-out was 62% complete, with trials of the auxiliary systems scheduled by late 2017. The latest reports indicate that India’s first locally made aircraft carrier will be commissioned in 2021.
• INS Vikrant is a 260 meters long and 60 meters wide vessel displacing 37,500-tonnes. Maximum speed of the ship is announced at 28 knots, with a range of 7,500 nautical miles at a speed of 18 knots. INS Vikrant is set to receive a large crew complement composed of 160 officers and 1,400 sailors. The STOBAR aircraft carrier will be able to accommodate up to 30 fighters and helicopters, including Mig-29K fighters jets and Ka-31 helicopters.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah addressed inaugural session of Annual DGsP/IGsP Conference

• The inaugural session of 55th Annual Director Generals of Police/Inspector Generals of Police Conference was addressed by the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, in which Heads of various Central Para Military Forces and Director Generals of Police and Inspector Generals of Police of the States participated in virtual mode from their respective States.
• This is the first such Conference organised by the Intelligence Bureau in virtual mode. Paying homage to the Police martyrs, the Union Home Minister awarded Indian Police Medals to 50 awardees and congratulated them on their achievements.
• In his inaugural address, Shri Amit Shah highlighted policy issues on national security and applauded the role of the police as frontline warriors in crisis and disaster management. He emphasised that there should be zero tolerance against terrorism.  While stressing upon the need to ensure safety and dignity of citizens, he underlined the importance of capacity building of Police to deal with emergency situations and disasters.  He directed that security agencies should have a coordinated approach in the national security scenario and achieve the target of making India a developed and safe Nation.
• The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi later joined the Conference virtually and reviewed the action points of the previous Conference. A review of the internal security situation was presented to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, and discussions were held to improve the overall security scenario with more people-friendly initiatives.
• A session on various initiatives of security forces on the LWE front was held in which discussions were held to improve the security situation in LWE infested areas. Stress was given on coordinated action with States to check the LWE menace. Discussions on the role of police during the COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of safety protocol by the police was also discussed. Follow-up actions were also suggested to develop an SOP to manage various types of emergency situations.

Officials of India & USA met virtually for inaugural meeting of U.S.-India Counter-Narcotics Working Group

• The officials of India and United States of America met virtually for the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-India Counter Narcotics Working Group (CNWG) on November 24, 2020. 
• The Indian delegation was led by Shri Sachin Jain, Deputy Director General, Narcotics Control Board, Ministry of Home Affairs, while Mr. Kemp Chester, Assistant Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Mr. Jorgan Andrews, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. State Department and Ms. Jennifer Hodge, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice jointly led the United States delegation.
• The respective delegations engaged in wide-ranging deliberations focused on increasing collaboration on counter narcotics regulation and law enforcement. The two sides identified areas for joint action and resolved to continue their close coordination on this important issue.
• Both sides exchanged views on the broad array of narcotics-related challenges facing India and United States.  They committed to strengthening their cooperation in curtailing the illegal production, manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution of pharmaceutical and illicit drugs, as well as the precursor chemicals used to manufacture them.
• Participants highlighted their efforts in combating drug trafficking in accordance with the rules and regulation of their respective countries and proposed to share best practices for countering synthetic opioids and precursor chemical diversion.
• The two sides also discussed initiatives to strengthen India’s regional leadership role in building capacity for counter narcotics initiatives in South Asia; countering regional cross-border drugs trafficking and crime through enhanced sharing of operational intelligence; and expanding law enforcement cooperation on counter narcotics issues. Both sides also agreed to cooperate and assist each other in the arena of drug treatment and awareness against drug abuse.
• India and United States agreed to enhance their data sharing operations to combat the production, distribution, diversion, and export/import of drugs and recursor chemicals. Both sides agreed to continue these discussions at the CNWG meeting in the spring of 2021.

Lieutenant General Rajeev Chaudhry assumes charge as Director General Border Roads (DGBR)

• Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry assumed the charge as 27th Director General Border Roads (DGBR) on the 01 December 2020.
• Lt Gen Chaudhry was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers from Indian Military Academy, Dehradun in 1983 and has attended all prestigious courses of the Indian Army including staff Course at Defence Service Staff College, Wellington, Higher Command Course at Army War College, Mhow and the National Defence College, New Delhi. He is also an M-Tech from IISc Bangalore.
• Before taking over as Director General Border Roads, he was holding the appointment of ADG LW&E in QMG’s Branch at Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army).
• Lt Gen. Chaudhry was responsible for conceptualising and conducting the first-ever and only Engineer Brigade Exercise with US Engineer Brigade as part of EX YUDH ABHYAS. He was also nominated as Exercise Director of EX FORCE 18, a multinational exercise involving 18 countries on Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA), in the year 2016.
• The General Officer has held various staff, instructional and command appointments. Some of his important appointments include Command of an Independent Field Coy, Engineer Unit and Command of an Engineer Brigade. He has also tenanted the appointment of Chief Engineer Southern Command.

QUICK REVIEW

1. Vice Chief of Air Staff of IAF
2. Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora
3. Air Marshal Amit Tiwari
4. Air Marshal S K Ghotia
5. Air Marshal R D Mathur

ANSWER: A

• Which Air Force Station recently conducted the Combined Guided Weapons Firing Exercise 2020?
• AFS Hindon
• AFS Tambaram
• AFS Ambala
• AFS Suryalanka

ANSWER: D

• Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on
• 07 December 2020
• 08 December 2020
• 09 December 2020
• 10 December 2020

ANSWER: A

• Basin trials of the under-construction INS Vikrant were conducted successfully at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi on
• 29 November 2020
• 30 November 2020
• 01 December 2020
• 02 December 2020

ANSWER: B

• Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah addressed inaugural session of 55^th Annual DGsP/IGsP Conference. In the previous conference, who addressed?
• Union Finance Minister
• Union Education Minister
• Union Defence Minister
• Prime Minister

ANSWER: D

• Wide-ranging conversations on increasing collaboration on counter narcotics regulation and law enforcement on 24 November 2020 was conducted with which country?
• Russia
• Bangladesh
• Japan
• United States

ANSWER: D