January 2021 Monthly Defence Current Affairs And Updates

SECTION A – MILITARY EXERCISES

Exercise Kavach: Joint Operation Training in Andaman Sea

• A large scale Joint Military Exercise ‘Exercise Kavach’ involving assets of Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard is being conducted in the coming week under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), the only Joint Forces Command of the country.
• The exercise would involve participation and deployment of elements of Army’s Amphibious Brigade along with supporting forces including Special Forces of Navy, Armour/Mechanised components, Naval Ships comprising Destroyers, ASW Corvettes and Landing Ships with ship-borne helicopters of Eastern Naval Command and ANC, Jaguar Maritime Strike and Transport aircrafts from Indian Air Force and assets of Coast Guard. 
• The exercise involves synergised application of maritime surveillance assets, coordinated air and maritime strikes, air defence, submarine and landing operations. Concurrently Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) exercise involving various technical, electronic and human intelligence from three services will be conducted.
• The ISR exercise will validate the capabilities of intelligence gathering from space, air, land and sea-based assets/ sensors, its analysis and sharing to achieve battlefield transparency for quick decision making at different stages of operations.
• The joint force would execute multi domain, high intensity offensive and defensive manoeuvres in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal and carry out amphibious landing operations, air landed operation, helicopters-borne insertion of Special Forces from sea culminating in tactical follow-on operations on land.
• The tri-services exercise aims to fine tune joint war-fighting capabilities and SOPs towards enhancing operational synergy.
• CINCAN reviews on going Ex KAVACH. Lt Gen Manoj Pande, Commander-in-Chief, ANC visited AF Station Car Nicobar in Southern Andaman Nicobar Islands today to review the Tri-Services and Coast Guard Exercise.

Desert Knight-21 Bilateral Air Exercise – 1

• Participating Forces: IAF and French Air and Space Force
• Location: Air Force Station Jodhpur
• Duration: 20 to 24 January 2021 (5 days)
• French Assets: Rafale, Airbus A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), A-400M Tactical Transport aircraft and approximately 175 personnel.
• IAF Assets: Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, Rafale, IL-78 Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and AEW&C aircraft.
• The exercise is unique as it includes fielding of Rafale aircraft by both sides and is indicative of the growing interaction between the two premier Air Forces. As the two detachments commence their air exchange from 20 Jan onwards, they will put into practice operational experience gained across terrains and spectrums and endeavour to exchange ideas and best practices to enhance interoperability.

Indian Navy Coordinated SEA VIGIL 21

• Exercise Sea Vigil, the two-day coastal defence exercise was conducted on 12 and 13 January 2021.  The conceptual and geographical expanse of Sea Vigil included the entire coastline and EEZ of the country and contingencies from Peace to War-time were exercised. In addition, mitigation measures, on shore, in case of any breach in coastal security were also validated.
• The exercise involved deployment of the entire coastal security apparatus and more than 110 surface assets of Indian Navy (IN) and Coast Guard (CG) participated in the exercise. In addition, a large number of Marine Police and Customs assets were also deployed.
• The entire coastline was kept under surveillance by the IN and CG aircraft, and helicopters were also pressed into service to reinforce Special Operations personnel operating onboard offshore platforms.
• As ports form the nerve centre of sea borne trade, security mechanism of ports was also validated during the exercise and the crisis management plans of all ports were assessed for their effectiveness to tackle emergencies. The State Police teams, Indian Navy Marine Commandos and Commandos from National Security Guard were exercised to tackle acts of maritime terrorism. 
• This exercise also validated the technical surveillance infrastructure called the National Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (NC3I) Network. The Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) at Gurugram and its various nodes across IN and CG stations were exercised for coordinating the surveillance and information dissemination mechanism.
• The envisaged objectives of the exercise were met by the whole-hearted participation of all stakeholders.
• The cooperation and coordination amongst various agencies involved is a reassuring sign of progress made in the realm of Coastal defence and the exercise would go a long way in enhancing coastal defence and national security in the maritime domain.

SECTION B – INTERNATIONAL MILITARY AFFAIRS

India to chair UNSC’s crucial Taliban and Libya Sanctions Committees Panel on Counterterrorism

• India will chair the Taliban and Libya sanctions committees and the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the UN Security Council during its tenure as non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation UN body.
• India, which has been at the forefront of the years-long efforts to reform the UNSC, began its two-year tenure at the Council on Friday last.
• “The UN Security Council establishes subsidiary bodies on specific issues, including on the sanctions regimes.
• “I’m happy to announce that India has been asked to chair three important committees of the Security Council, which include the Taliban Sanctions Committee, Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and the Libyan Sanctions Committee, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti said in a video message on Thursday.
• Tirumurti said the Taliban Sanctions Committee, also known as the 1988 Sanctions Committee, has always been a high priority for India, keeping in mind the country’s strong interest and commitment to peace, security, development and progress of Afghanistan.
• “Our chairing this committee at this juncture will help keep the focus on the presence of terrorists and their sponsors threatening the peace process in Afghanistan. It has been our view that peace process and violence cannot go hand in hand,” he said.
• Tirumurti will chair the CTC in 2022, the year in which India will commemorate the 75th anniversary of its independence.
• “India will also chair the Counter-Terrorism Committee in 2022, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. The chairing of this committee has a special resonance for India, which has not only been in the forefront of fighting terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism, but has also been one of its biggest victims,” he said.
• Tirumurti said the Libya Sanctions Committee, also called the 1970 Sanctions Committee, is a very important subsidiary body of the Council, which implements the sanctions regime, including a two-way arms embargo on Libya and assets freeze, a travel ban and measures on illicit export of petroleum.
• “We will be assuming the chair of this committee at a critical juncture, when there is international focus on Libya and on the peace process,” he said.
• The three committees are highly significant subsidiary bodies of the UNSC and India chairing them is a ringing endorsement of the country’s leadership to steer the panels. India is a leading voice at the UN in the fight against the global scourge of terrorism, particularly the threat posed in the region by cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
• India has underscored that the fight against terrorism will be a key priority for it as it sits at the UN high-table for the 2021-22 term. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said as a Council member, India will not hesitate to raise its voice against the enemies of humanity, including terrorism and will always speak in support of peace, security and prosperity.
• Former Indian Ambassador to the UN, Hardeep Singh Puri, had chaired the CTC for the term 2011-12 when India was last in the UNSC as the non-permanent member.
• The CTC, established in the wake of the 9/11 terror attack in the US, works to bolster the ability of UN member states to prevent terrorist acts both within their borders and across regions. It is assisted by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), which carries out the policy decisions of the body, conducts expert assessments of each member state and facilitates counter-terrorism technical assistance to countries.
• Tirumurti thanked Permanent Representative of St Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Rhonda King, who, as the chair of the informal Working Group on Security Council Working Methods, had steered this process to its logical conclusion.
• The 1988 Sanctions Committee relating to Taliban oversees the sanctions measures imposed by the Security Council. Individuals and entities are designated on the 1988 Sanctions List as individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with the Taliban in constituting a threat to the peace, stability and security of Afghanistan.
• The committee designates individuals and entities for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts; supplying, selling or transferring arms; recruiting and supporting acts or activities of groups, undertakings and entities associated with the Taliban. The listed entities and individuals are subject to an assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.
• Under the Libya Sanctions Committee, all member states are required to prevent the sale or supply of arms and related material to Libya; prevent the entry into or transit through their territories of all listed individuals; freeze all funds, other financial assets and economic resources that are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the listed individuals or entities.
• The Flag State of a designated vessel is required to direct the vessel not to load, transport, or discharge petroleum, including crude oil and refined petroleum products, from Libya, among other measures.
• In 2021, India, Norway, Kenya, Ireland and Mexico join non-permanent members Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam and the five permanent members China, France, Russia, UK and the US in the Council. It is the eighth time that the country has had a seat on the powerful horseshoe table.

13^th India-Vietnam Defence Security Dialogue 

• Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar co-chaired the 13th India-Vietnam Defence Security Dialogue along with his Vietnamese co-chair Sr Lt Gen Nguyen Chi Vinh, Deputy Defence Minister, Socialist Republic of Vietnam on 12 January 2021. During their virtual interaction, Defence Secretary and the Deputy Defence Minister expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries in spite of the limitations imposed by COVID 19.
• During the virtual interaction, Defence Secretary and the Deputy Defence Minister exchanged views on the plan of action that has emanated from the recently concluded Virtual Summit between   Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam H.E. Nguyen Xuan Phuc in December 2020. New areas of defence cooperation were also discussed.
• They expressed satisfaction at the growing defence ties between the two countries. Both the sides reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and expressed commitment to further elevate engagements between the Armed Forces under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides agreed that in the recent past our respective countries have made notable strides in Defence Industry and Technology cooperation and look forward to even greater cooperation in this field.

US Congressman introduces bill to terminate Pakistan as a Non-NATO Ally

• On the first day of the 117th Congress, a Republican Congressman introduced a bill in the United States House of Representatives to terminate the designation of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally.
• Congressman Andy Biggs introduced the bill to remove the designation of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally, a status that allows for various benefits such as access to excess US defence supplies and participation in cooperative defence research and development projects.
• “On the first day of the 117th Congress, my staff and I have hit the ground running, working hard for the great people of AZ05. Today, I reintroduced 28 bills that keep the promises I have made to my constituents and help to reduce the size and scope of the federal government.,” Biggs wrote in a tweet on Monday.
• According to the bill, the US President cannot issue a separate designation of Pakistan as a major NATO ally unless a presidential certification that Pakistan continues to conduct military operations that are contributing to significantly disrupting the safe haven and freedom of movement of the Haqqani network in Pakistan.
• The bill noted that Pakistan has taken steps to demonstrate its commitment to preventing the Haqqani network from using any Pakistani territory as a safe haven and that the Pakistan government actively coordinates with the Afghanistan government to restrict the movement of militants, such as the Haqqani network, along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
• The bill asks the president to certify that Pakistan has shown progress in arresting and prosecuting Haqqani Network senior leaders and mid-level operatives.

India forms committee to support exports of ‘military platforms’.

• The Indian government has established a committee to provide accelerated approvals for exports of military platforms such as the Tejas light fighter aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics. (HAL)
• The government of India has established a committee to support exports of military platforms, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in New Delhi has said.
• In a statement on 30 December the MoD said the new committee will provide “faster approvals” for international sales of “major military platforms” including coastal surveillance systems, radar and air platforms, and the Akash surface-to-air missile system.
• The committee, it said, will comprise India’s defence minister, the minister of foreign affairs, and the country’s national security advisor, which leads the government’s National Security Council.
• The MoD said the new committee will be focused on platforms – as opposed to components and subsystems – with the aim to “improve [the country’s] defence products and make them globally competitive”. It added, “So far Indian defence exports [have] included parts and components etc. The export of big platforms [has been] minimal.”

Pakistan test fires indigenously developed rocket system

• Pakistan on Thursday successfully conducted the test-flight of an indigenously developed Guided Multi Launch Rocket System, capable of delivering conventional warheads, with a maximum range of 140 km.
• According to Director General of Army, Media Wing, Major General Babar Iftikhar, Fatah-1 weapon system can hit targets up to a range of 140 km.
• The Weapon System will give Pakistan Army capability of precision target engagement deep in enemy territory, said Iftikhar.
• President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza and the Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa congratulated the participating troops and scientists on the successful flight test.
• No further details were provided by the Army about the weapon system.

9^th Round of India-China Military Commander-Level Meeting on 24 January 2021

• On January 24, the 9th round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held on the Chinese side of the Moldo-Chushul border meeting point. The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector of China-India border areas.
• The two sides agreed that this round of meeting was positive, practical and constructive, which further enhanced mutual trust and understanding. The two sides agreed to push for an early disengagement of the frontline troops.
• They also agreed to follow the important consensus of their state leaders, maintain the good momentum of dialogue and negotiation, and hold the 10th round of the Corps Commander Level Meeting at an early date to jointly advance de-escalation.
• The two sides agreed to continue their effective efforts in ensuring the restraint of the frontline troops, stabilize and control the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of the China-India border, and jointly maintain peace and tranquillity.

SECTION C – INDIAN MILITARY REVIEWS

Lieutenant General CP Mohanty Took Over as New Indian Army Vice-Chief

• Lieutenant General Chandi Prasad Mohanty, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 01 February 2021.
• An alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun, National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Lt Gen CP Mohanty was commissioned into the Rajput Regiment on 12 Jun 1982. In a career spanning four decades, the General officer served across a wide spectrum of conflicts and terrain profiles and tenanted a host of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments. He commanded a battalion on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and later in the North East. He has the unique distinction of commanding two brigades: first on the Line of Actual Control and later on, the multinational UN Brigade in Democratic Republic of Congo. He later commanded the Rangiya based Division in a counter insurgency environment and the Sikkim based Trishakti Corps immediately after the Doklam incident. The General officer also has a unique distinction of commanding two Administrative formations as well: The Jodhpur Sub Area as a Major General & Uttar Bharat Area as a Lieutenant General.
• An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College Wellington, Higher Defence Management Course Secunderabad and the National Defence College New Delhi, the General Officer’s staff and instructional assignments include an instructional tenure at NDA, Brigade Major of an Armoured Brigade, Military Advisor in Seychelles, Colonel Military Secretary (Selection) in the MS Branch, Brigadier General Staff (Operations) of a Corps in the Eastern Theatre and Director General, Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement.
• Lt Gen CP Mohanty takes over the appointment of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from Lt Gen SK Saini who superannuated on 31 January 2021 after completing four decades of illustrious career in the Army.

Tech Mahindra’s R&D arm partners with College of Military Engineering, Pune

• IT major Tech Mahindra on Tuesday said its research and development arm, Makers Lab, has collaborated with the College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune to address challenges in the field of defence through technological innovations.
• CME will leverage the partnership to address critical military problem statements and be future-ready using next-generation technologies of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics, a statement said.
• Through this collaboration, Makers Lab will provide real world technological exposure to the army officers at CME and assist them in getting the nuances of next-generation technologies such as AI, Machine Learning (ML), Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) to make them future-ready for modern-day warfare, it added.
• As a part of this partnership, Tech Mahindra will establish a Makers Lab at CME to utilise their diverse set of capabilities and promote R&D to provide cutting-edge technology solutions for defence forces.
• Makers Lab’s mission is to promote technology innovation by providing a common platform where academia, industry and government can come together to recognise transformative ideas and create disruptive solutions, Nikhil Malhotra, Global Head of Makers Lab, Tech Mahindra said.
• “The collaboration will enable our defence forces to address future challenges by leveraging digital technologies and innovation,” he added.
• Lt Gen PP Malhotra, VSM, Commandant, College of Military Engineering, Pune, said CME has taken various steps towards developing successful ideas and innovations in the niche field of AI and Robotics.
• “The college has domain expertise and now with the assistance of Makers Lab, Tech Mahindra Ltd, I am sure we would be able to solve many challenges for Indian Army. I am hopeful that this initiative would take us a long way in undertaking research and development in this extremely challenging sphere,” he said.

396 Trainees Pass Out from MTTI AFS Avadi

• A total of 396 trainees today successfully completed their Basic Phase Training after undergoing rigorous schedule at Mechanical Transport Training Institute (MTTI) at Air Force Station, Avadi on the outskirts of the city.
• A defence release said this is a historic moment for the Institute as for the first time MTTI has conducted Basic Phase Training of ab-initio trainees and will now be sent to various other training institutes of IAF, for further specialization in their respective trades.
• Air Commodore Vipul Singh, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Tambaram presided over the valedictory ceremony and complimented the trainees for successful completion of their Basic Phase.

31^st Naval Orientation Course POP Held At INA

• On the occasion of 72nd Republic Day, a spectacular Passing out Parade (POP) was held at Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, on 26 January 2021, 62 trainees including 15 women trainees  passed out with flying colours, marking the culmination of their ab-initio training.
• The parade was reviewed by Vice Admiral M A Hampiholi, AVSM, NM, Commandant, INA who awarded medals and trophy to meritorious trainees on completion of the Ceremonial Review.
• The CNS Gold medal for First in Overall Order of Merit was awarded to Cadet Shekar Mani Tripathi. The Commandant Silver Medal for Second in Overall Order of Merit was awarded to Cadet M Vaasudevan. The Zamorin Trophy for Best all round woman cadet was awarded to Cadet Amrutendrini D Chinamna.
• The successful trainees marched past the Academy’s Quarterdeck, in Slow March, to the traditional notes of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – the poignant farewell tune played by Armed Forces around the world when bidding adieu to colleagues and comrades, for their ‘Antim Pag’ or final step at the Indian Naval Academy. Vice Admiral M A Hampiholi, AVSM, NM, Commandant, INA congratulated the cadets on parade for their impeccable turn out, smart drill and movements on parade. He emphasised to uphold the ethos of Service before Self and reiterated the Core values of Duty, Honour and Courage.

Prime Minister Addressed Rally of The National Cadet Corps (NCC) At Cariappa Ground

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the rally of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) at Cariappa Ground in Delhi today. Union Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff and the three-armed services Chiefs were present on the occasion. The Prime Minister inspected the Guard of Honour, reviewed the March Past by NCC contingents, and witnessed cultural performance during the event.
• Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that nations with strong presence of discipline in Social life, thrive in all fields. He said NCC has major role to play in instilling this sense of discipline in the social life of India. The Prime Minister said that as the largest uniformed youth organization, NCC is gaining in stature day by day. NCC cadets are present everywhere where Indian tradition of valour and serviceis being promoted or awareness about the constitution is being generated. Similarly, any project involving environment or water conservation has NCC participation. The Prime Minister praised NCC cadets for their contribution during calamities like Corona.

The Beating Retreat ceremony of 2021

• The Beating Retreat marking the end of the four-day Republic Day celebrations takes place on January 29 every year. The Vijay Chowk comes alive for the Beating Retreat. Walking back five decades, the Indian Air Force took to Twitter and posted a collage of four monochrome pictures of the Beating Retreat ceremony in the backdrop of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. “Vijay Chowk coming to life with the Beating Retreat half a century ago…” the IAF wrote.
• At the Beating Retreat ceremony this year, a special new composition – Swarnim Vijay –  will be played for the first time. Swarnim Vijay, was composed to commemorate the 50 years of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. The composition will be led by Lieutenant Colonel Vimal Joshi and Havildar Jiwan Rasaily.
• Apart from the Swarnim Vijay, this year there will be few more new compositions. The Air Force band’s Tiranga Senani and Nida Yodha, Navy band’s Bharat Vandana and the Army Military band’s Garud Prahar and Sambodhan Eco. The mass formation of bands will play Bharat Ke Jawan.

SECTION D – SPECIAL INDUCTIONS AND ACQUISITIONS

CRPF, DRDO Launch Bike Ambulance ‘RAKSHITA’

• The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday launched a specially developed ”RAKSHITA” – a bike ambulance to attend urgent evacuation needs of the security force personnel in event of a medical emergency or battle injury in Maoist affected areas.
• Sources claimed that these bikes will give assistance to CRPF jawans and paramedics in case of any injuries during encounters.
• “These bikes will be more useful in areas like Bijapur, Sukma, Dantewada etc., as it is tough for the force to take big vehicles or ambulances inside the jungle,” a CRPF official said.
• Delhi: CRPF and DRDO launched specially developed RAKSHITA – a bike ambulance to attend to urgent evacuation needs of security personnel in the event of medical emergency/battle injury in naxal affected areas.

Indigenously developed landing gear systems for UAVs

• Retractable landing gear systems for unmanned aerial vehicles, indigenously built by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment here, a unit of the DRDO, were handed over to the Navy on Sunday.
• The CVRDE, engaged in design and development of armoured vehicles and combat systems, said it designed and built the three tonne Retractable Landing Gear Systems for TAPAS Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and a one tonne landing gear system to the SWiFT UAV under the Centre’s ‘Atmanirbhar’ programme.
• The gear systems were developed at CVRDE facility in suburban Avadi, a press release said.
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman G Satheesh Reddy, speaking on the occasion, said it was an important achievement and extended his congratulations to the CVRDE. Besides the landing gear systems, as many as 18 types of state-of-the-art indigenously developed hydraulic lubrication and fuel filters were also handed over to the Navy at the event. The filters, also designed and developed at CVRDE, were manufactured with support from industries under the Centre’s ‘Make in India’ initiative while the funding was from the DRDO and the Navy, the release said. Later, Reddy reviewed the various projects of CVRDE and appreciated the efforts the establishment for the progress achieved, the release added.

GRSE delivered 8th landing craft utility ship to Indian Navy

• Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has delivered the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV class vessel ‘IN LCU L-58’ (Yard 2099) to the Indian Navy. The amphibious ships, to be based in the strategic location of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is close to various routes leading to the South China Sea. LCU L-58 is the final ship in the series of 8 LCUs being manufactured by GRSE for the Indian Navy.
• About LCU Ship:
• The LCU ships, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, were developed in-house with 90 per cent of its parts indigenously manufactured.
• These ships are very unique in their design and class in the world. A very specific kind of requirement was given by the Indian Navy — the speed of 15 knots, a displacement of 900- odd tonnes and a low draught for beaching in the shallowest of waters.
• The ships are designed to accommodate 216 personnel and have two indigenous CRN 91 guns to provide artillery fire support during landing operations.

Small Arms factory launches revolver ‘Prahaar’

• Small Arms Factory, Kanpur, launched a new state-of-the-art .32 bore revolver ‘Prahaar’, on Friday.
• GM of the factory AK Maurya while elaborating over the features of `Prahaar’ said, “This product is being manufactured under ‘Make in India mission’ and its trial has been successful. We expect to get a positive response from dealers as well as buyers in the civil market.”
• “Its range is up to 50 metre and has cerakoted surface finish (black and titanium), which provides enhanced resistance against corrosion. It has a wooden grip for better ergonomics,” he said.
• Those present during the launch were assistant general manager Tushar Tripathi, AGM Rolly M Varma and joint general manager Pawan Kumar.

India’s first indigenous 9mm machine pistol ASMI

• The Pune-based facility of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army’s Mhow-based Infantry School have jointly developed India’s first indigenous 9mm machine pistol named ‘Asmi’. The pistol is likely to have a production cost lower than Rs 50,000 each and has export potential as well.
• Machine pistols are primarily self-loading versions of pistols which are either fully automatic or can also fire bursts of bullets.
• The Asmi machine pistol fires the in-service 9 mm ammunition and has an upper receiver made from aircraft-grade aluminum and lower receiver from carbon fibre. The 3D printing technology has been used in designing and prototyping of various parts, including trigger components which have been made by metal 3D printing.

Indian Army officer developed ‘microcopter’

• An Indian Army officer has indigenously developed a ‘microcopter’ which can be used by the Army to carry out surveillance inside a building or room in which terrorists are hiding.
• The microcopter has been developed by Lieutenant Colonel GYK Reddy.
• The trials of the microcomputer have been successfully carried out by a Para Special Forces battalion in Jammu and Kashmir and further improvements are being carried out on the micro drone.
• Indian Army has signed a contract for acquiring the Switch drone for surveillance along the borders. The vertical take off and landing drone has the capability to fly for two hours at a maximum altitude of 4,500 metres, according to Mohit Bansal, Idea Forge. The firm had also developed the Netra drone a few years ago with DRDO.

SECTION E – ANNIVERSARIES

63^rd Foundation Day of DRDO – 01 January 2021

• DRDO was established in 1958.
• It was tasked with designing and developing cutting edge defence technologies for Indian Armed Forces.
• DRDO is working in aeronautics, armaments, combat vehicles, electronics, instrumentation, engineering systems, missiles, materials, naval systems, advanced computing, simulation, cyber, life sciences and other technologies for defence.

05^th Veterans Day – 14 January 2021

• Fifth Indian Armed Forces Veterans Day was celebrated on 14 Jan 2021 as a recognition of the services rendered by the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Armed Forces, Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE who retired on 14 Jan 1953.
• A Veterans Meet was also organised at Raina Auditorium, APS Dhaula Kuan with Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff as the Chief Guest for the event.
• Gen MM Naravane, COAS and Air Marshal RK Bhadauria, CAS were also present for the event.

73^rd Indian Army Day: 15 January 2021       

• On this day in 1949, Lieutenant General KM Cariappa became the first Indian to take over the post of commander-in-chief of the Indian Army from the last British Commander of India, General Francis Butcher. He later became Field Marshal.

Facts about Indian Army:

• The Indian Army is the 4th largest standing Army in the world after the US, Russia and China.
• Unlike other government organisations and institutions in India, there are no provisions for reservations based on caste or religion in Indian Army.
• The Indian Army has a horsed cavalry regiment which is among one of the last 3 such regiments in the world.
• The Bailey Bridge is the highest bridge in the world built by Indian Army. It is in the Ladakh valley between Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountain.

66^th Raising Day of NDA – 16 January 2021

• The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets of the three services, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force train together before they go on to respective service academy for further pre-commission training.
• Location: Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra.
• It is the first tri-service academy in the world.
• To mark the occasion, a wreath-laying ceremony will be organised at the Hut of Remembrance for gallant officers from the academy.

Mission of NDA

• Provide highest standards of focused training in the professional, intellectual, physical and leadership spheres as also moral and ethical grooming to cadets using innovative cadets, technologies, corporate and modern practices with a view to providing the Armed Forces, competent potential junior leaders with high standard of integrity, equipped to function in battlefield of the future and capable of leading troops to victory.

Golden Jubilee of AFA Hyderabad – 19 January 2021

• Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria asked the faculty at Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal and HQ Training Command to explore avenues for evolving new training methodologies, reshaping curriculum and incorporating new-gen aids to make officers future ready.
• Participating in the AFA Golden Jubilee here on Tuesday, he addressed trainees and instructors of AFA during a training workshop and complimented the Academy for rendering yeoman service in imparting high quality training that provides the bedrock on which young flight cadets go on to become thorough professionals and military leaders.
• Outlining contours of the emerging security scenario and underscoring requirements for IAF’s capability building and technological growth, the CAS urged trainees to imbibe IAF’s ethos, train hard to prepare for challenges that lie ahead and develop tri-service domain knowledge to fight future wars.
• Bhadauria flew a sortie in PC-7 Mk-II trainer with one of the qualified flying instructors currently serving at AFA to mark the Golden Jubilee. He also unveiled a statue of the “Eternal Pilot” presented to the Academy by pioneers of 107 Pilots’ Course – the first course to undergo flying training at AFA and released an Indian Postal service Special Cover and Golden Jubilee medallion on the occasion.

Everything About Republic Day – 26 January 2021

• Best marching contingent among the three services: Jat Regiment.
• Best marching contingent among CAPF and other auxiliary forces: Delhi Police.
• 4 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), 14 Vayu Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty), 6 PVSMs, 12 AVSMs, 28 VSMs were awarded to IAF personnel.
• 3 PVSMs, 7 AVSMs, 1 Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), 8 Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), 16 VSMs were awarded to Indian Naval personnel.
• Tatrakshak Medals were also presented to Indian Coast Guard personnel.
• This is first Republic Day parade that showcased Rafale aircrafts of IAF.

45^th Raising Day of ICG – 01 February 2021

• From a modest beginning with just 07 surface platforms in 1978, ICG has grown into a formidable force with 156 ships and 62 aircraft in its inventory and is likely to achieve targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 80 aircraft by 2025.
• As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, Indian Coast Guard has played a significant role in securing the Indian Coasts and enforcing regulations within the Maritime Zones of India.
• Despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Coast Guard has maintained a 24×7 vigil in the exclusive economic zone.
• ICG conducted National Maritime Search and Rescue Board meeting and followed it up with SAR Exercise-2020 (SAREX-2020) to validate the existing mechanism for undertaking Mass Rescue Operations.
• The President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defence Minister congratulated the Indian Coast Guard on the completion of 44 glorious years of service to the nation and appreciated the remarkable role played by the service in pursuit of the nation’s interests in the maritime zones.

80^th Army Dental Corps Raising Day – 01 February 2021

• The Army Dental Corps is celebrating its 80th Raising Day today on February 01, 2021. The Corps was raised on this day in 1941.
• On this occasion, Director General Dental Services & Colonel Commandant Army Dental Corps Lt General N K Sahoo laid down a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi to honour the fallen heroes. In his message to the Officers and Men of the Army Dental Corps, the Director General commended and complimented them for providing great service during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
• He said that the personnel of the ADC have shown exceptional commitment and courage beyond the call of duty while catering to the Oral Health Care needs of the soldiers and their families during these challenging times.
• Lt General Sahoo said that it should be the endeavour of the corps to blend latest & best of contemporary technologies and treatment protocols while providing state-of-the-art treatment to the men in uniform.
• On this occasion a Sainik Sammelan was held and awards were given to the COVID warriors of Delhi Garrison.
• Chief of the Army Staff Gen M M Naravane in his message congratulated the personnel of the Corps and praised them for providing yeoman services in war & peace and wished the ADC the very best in all future endeavours.

SECTION F – MISSILE TESTS

Israel and India test MRSAM air defense system

• Israel Aerospace Industries and the Indian government’s Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted a successful test of the MRSAM, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system.
• MRSAM was jointly developed by IAI and DRDO over the last several years, and they tested the system in India during the last week of December, the Israeli company said.
• The system was developed in the wake of one of the largest defense deals in Israel’s history. In April 2017, IAI and India signed a $1.6 billion contract for the MRSAM system for India’s ground forces. The development involved several Indian companies such as Bharat Electronics Limited, Larsen & Toubro, and Bharat Dynamics Limited as well as Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
• The effort is one of the joint ventures that underpins India’s economic policy “Make in India” for defense development, which has seen several decades of contracts with Israeli companies to modernize India’s military.
• “MRSAM Air and Missile Defense System is a cutting edge innovative system, that once again has proven its advanced capabilities against a variety of threats,” said IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy, who was appointed to the top job in November and has been closely involved in the development of the Barak 8 air defense system. (MRSAM is part of the Barak family.)
• “Every trial in an air defense system is a complex operational event and the COVID-19 limitations significantly increase the complexity. This trial is yet another testimonial to the strong partnership between IAI and India and the two nations,” Levy added.
• IAI’s Barak family of air defense systems encapsulates several different levels of ranges, from 35 kilometers to 150 kilometers, and incudes the Barak MX, which the company is marketing globally as a single, integrated solution against multiple simultaneous aerial threats. The MRSAM fills a medium-range gap (70 kilometers) in India.

ADE Steps into New Decade With Planeloads of Critical Project of Nirbhay ITCM

• The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is warming up to undertake a series of missions in the year 2021, leaving behind the uncertainties of a pandemic year that also saw minor setbacks.
• ADE which celebrated its 62nd Raising Day recently has been given the mandate of developing variants of subsonic missiles and unmanned platforms.
• According to sources, ADE scientists are now gearing up for the second test of the Nirbhay variant – the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM).
• The ITCM-02 with the Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) will undertake another flight trial in the next few months. The first mission of ICTM with STFE was not a complete success. ADE is also poised to hand over the first Full Mission Simulator (FMS) for Light Combat Aircraft Tejas to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• IAF Test Pilots have been using the FMS at ADE facilities for some years now and based on their feedback ADE made several upgradations to its systems.
• Sources said that the FMS from ADE requires minimum maintenance and offers long and realistic flight training options on ground for squadron pilots. A new facility has been earmarked for housing FMS systems, which is likely to be inaugurated this year.

First Smart Anti Airfield Weapon Successfully Test Fired from Hawk-I Aircraft

• In a big boost to the indigenous Hawk-i program, HAL today successfully test fired a Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) from the Hawk-i aircraft off the coast of Odisha. The indigenous stand-off weapon developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO is the first smart weapon fired from an Indian Hawk-Mk132.
• “HAL has been focusing on the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign. The company owned Hawk-i platform is being extensively used for certification of systems and weapons developed indigenously by DRDO and CSIR labs” said R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL.
• The Hawk-i is HAL’s internally funded program offering the Indian Armed Forces an upgrade and combat capability for the Hawk, transforming it into an Advanced Jet Trainer providing training on sensors and weapons in peacetime into a potent combat platform during conflict.
• The telemetry and tracking systems captured all the mission events confirming the success of the trials.

SECTION G – FUTURE PLANS

India lagging behind the US, China in space sector; over 40 start-ups working with govt: Economic Survey

• Even with the nation launching about 5-7 satellites per year in recent times, it still lags behind in the space race when compared to the US, China and Russia that launched 19, 25 and 34 satellites respectively in 2019, said the Economic Survey 2020-21.
• In this undated handout photo, a view of earth imaging and mapping satellite Cartosat-3 at the Assembly Complex which is scheduled for launch on Nov. 25, 2019 at Sriharikota near Chennai.
• In this undated handout photo, a view of earth imaging and mapping satellite Cartosat-3 at the Assembly Complex which was scheduled for launch on Nov. 25, 2019 at Sriharikota near Chennai.
• Even with the nation launching about 5-7 satellites per year in recent times, it still lags behind in the space race when compared to the US, China and Russia that launched 19, 25 and 34 satellites respectively in 2019, said the Economic Survey 2020-21.
• In 2019, the global space economy was pegged at $366 billion, as per Satellite Industry Association Report (2020) with the commercial satellite industry accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the business.
• PwC estimates that the Indian space economy is valued at $7 billion, which is around 2 per cent of the global space economy, the Survey said.
• India spent about $1.8 billion on space programmes in 2019-20, the Survey said.
• “As per industry estimates, there are more than 40 start-ups working in India with funding, teams and structure on space and satellite projects complimenting the efforts of government. This number is likely to increase in coming years with technology to play a big role,” the Survey added.
• The survey pointed out that the Centre had opened up the space sector in June 2020 to enable the participation of Indian private sector in the entire gamut of space activities. This was done “with the long-term vision of making the country self-reliant and technologically advanced”, it said.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. Desert Knight-21 Bilateral Air Exercise – 1 was conducted in which Air Force Station?
2. AFS Ambala
3. AFS Tambaram
4. AFS Jodhpur
5. AFS Gandhinagar

ANSWER: C

• Recently, a bill was introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Arizona State Congressman Andy Biggs to terminate the designation of which country as a major non-NATO ally?
• United Arab Emirates
• Iraq
• Pakistan
• India

ANSWER: C

• Mechanical Transport Training Institute (MTTI) of IAF is located in which Air Force Station?
• AFS Ambala
• AFS Tambaram
• AFS Jodhpur
• AFS Avadi

ANSWER: D

• Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Delhi based DRDO laboratory, handed over a bike-based casualty transport emergency vehicle to CRPF. It is called as:
• Suraksha
• Rakshak
• Rakshita
• Samrakshak

ANSWER: C

• A new state of the art .32 bore revolver ‘Prahaar’ was launched by:
• Gun and Shell Factory Kolkata
• Small Arms Factory Kanpur
• Small Arms Factory Ishapur
• Small Arms Factory Trichy

ANSWER: B

• Who among these Army officers developed the country’s first indigenous machine pistol ASMI?
• Lieutenant Colonel GYK Reddy
• Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Bansod
• Both A and B
• Neither A nor B

ANSWER: B

• Who among these Army officers indigenously developed a microcopter?
• Lieutenant Colonel GYK Reddy
• Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Bansod
• Both A and B
• Neither A nor B

ANSWER: A

• National Defence Academy Raising Day
• 14 January
• 15 January
• 16 January
• 17 January

ANSWER: C

• Which Corps of Indian Army celebrates its Raising Day on the Indian Coast Guard’s Raising Day?
• Army Education Corps
• Army Air Defence Corps
• Army Dental Corps
• Army Medical Corps

ANSWER: C

1. MRSAM was jointly developed by India and
2. Germany
3. United States
4. Russia
5. Israel

ANSWER: D

1. Which weapon developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), DRDO is the first smart weapon fired from an Indian Hawk-Mk132 on 21 January 2021?
2. Smart Anti Aerodrome Weapon
3. Smart Anti-Aircraft Weapon
4. Smart Anti Airfield Weapon
5. Smart Anti Acceleratory Weapon

ANSWER: C