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2023 03 15

Table of Contents:

GS paper 1:

  1. Antiquities abroad: What Indian, international laws say

GS Paper 2:

  1. Guidelines on medical negligence under consideration says Union Health Ministry
  2. India and Australia Relations

GS Paper 3:

  1. Powering the Amrit Kaal through an integrated approach to ensure energy security
  2. What is the SoO agreement with tribal insurgent groups that the Manipur govt withdrew from?

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

  1. Dry and Wet Waste Management Technologies

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

  1. Bobbili Veena
  2. Alluri Sitharama Raju and Komaram Bheem
  3. Gun Licensing
  4. BIS Launches ‘Learning Science via Standards’ Series
  5. Atal Innovation Mission launches ATL Sarthi
  6. STRANGE Method
  7. Open Source
  8. Arms trade
  9. Military Exercises in News

Antiquities abroad: What Indian, international laws say

GS Paper 1

Syllabus: Indian culture – salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times

Source: IE

Context: According to an RTI, only 486 antiquities have been reported as missing (since Independence) from the 3,696 monuments protected and maintained by the ASI.

What is antiquity?

  • India’s Antiquities and Art Treasures Act (AATA), 1972, defines “antiquity” as any coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph or other work of art or craftsmanship that has been in existence for not less than 100 years.
    • For a manuscript, record or other documents which are of scientific, historical, literary or aesthetic value, this duration is not less than 75 years.
  • The UNESCO 1970 Convention defines “cultural property” as the one designated by countries having importance for archaeology, prehistory, history, literature, art or science.

How have Indian laws relating to the country’s heritage evolved?

  • Before Independence, the Antiquities (Export Control) Act 1947 ensured that no antiquity could be exported without a license.
  • After Independence,
    • All the Union, State and Concurrent Lists of the Schedule VII of the Indian Constitution deal with the country’s heritage.
    • In 1958, [The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act](https://www.insightsonindia.com/2022/02/21/sansad-tv-75-years-laws-that-shaped-india-the-ancient-monuments-archaeological-sites-remains-act-1958/#:~:text=The%20Ancient%20Monuments%20and%20Archaeological%20Sites%20and%20Remains%20Act%20(or,of%20archaeological%20excavations%20and%20for) was enacted.
    • A few incidents of theft of antiquities along with the UNESCO convention (1970), prompted the government to enact the AATA 1972.

Salient provisions of the AATA 1972:

  • Other than the Central Government, no person can export any antiquity or art treasure.
  • No person can carry on the business of selling any antiquity except in accordance with the terms and conditions of a licence – granted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
  • After the AATA was implemented (1976), the Centre asked traders in antiquities and art objects to declare their possessions of antiquities.
  • Every person who owns, controls or is in possession of any antiquity shall register such antiquity and obtain a certificate.
    • What is the ‘provenance’ of antiquity? It includes the list of all owners from the time the object left its maker’s possession to the time it was acquired by the current owner.

Registered antiquities in India: So far, the National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities (2007), has registered 3.52 lakh antiquities among the 16.70 lakh it has documented.

Threats to antiquities:

  • The illicit import, export and transfer of ownership of cultural property are one of the main causes of the impoverishment of the cultural heritage of the countries of origin (UNESCO).
  • Almost 50 years after the UNESCO convention, the illicit international traffic of cultural items is sadly increasingly prolific [INTERPOL report (2019)].

Can India bring back antiquities?

  • There are three categories – antiquities taken out of India pre-independence; taken out since independence and until the implementation of AATA and antiquities taken out since 1976.
  • For items in the first category, requests have to be raised bilaterally or on international fora.
  • Antiquities in the second and third categories can be retrieved by raising an issue bilaterally with proof of ownership and with the help of the UNESCO convention.

Why are laws incapable of stopping illicit activity?

  • The registered antiquities in India are a very small portion of the total number (estimated to be around 58 lakh).
  • In India, the problem with missing antiquities is that in many cases, there is no FIR, which is the first thing in order to prove ownership.
  • The biggest challenge India is facing in bringing back antiquities is the gap between the artefacts officially declared missing and surfacing in global markets/museums.

Way ahead:

  • Robust database of existing and stolen antiques and artefacts.
  • ASI must be provided with additional resources for the protection and maintenance of antiquities.
  • International co-operation constitutes one of the most efficient means of protecting each country’s cultural property.

March 15, 2023 /15 Mar 2023, 15 March CA, Antiquities and Art Treasures Act (AATA) 1972, ASI, GS 1, Today's Article, Today’s article, UNESCO 1970 Convention

Guidelines on medical negligence under consideration says Union Health Ministry

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Social Justice – Health

Source: The Hindu

Context: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken into consideration the healthcare sector’s long-standing demand to frame guidelines for determining medical negligence cases.

Background:

  • It has been more than 17 years since the Supreme Court, for the first time in the Jacob Mathew case in 2005, directed the Centre to frame statutory rules in consultation with the-then medical education regulator Medical Council of India (MCI) to deal with medical negligence cases as it impacts both doctors and patients.

About Medical Negligence:

  • Medical negligence, also known as medical malpractice, refers to a situation where a healthcare professional fails to provide the appropriate standard of care to a patient, resulting in harm, injury, or death.

Supreme Court criteria on Medical Negligence:

  • In Kusum Sharma v. Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre, a two-judge Supreme Court panel recognized several criteria to regulate medical negligence cases.

Bolam Test

  • The Bolam test was created in 1957 as a result of the judgement of the House of Lords in Bolam v Frierm Barnet Hospital Management Committee, which said that a doctor may be able to escape a lawsuit for negligence if he can show that other medical practitioners would have behaved in the same manner.
  • The Bolam test, which argues that a doctor is not negligent if what he has done would be approved by a responsible body of medical opinion in the relevant speciality at the time, remains the principal test to assess ‘standard of care’.

Various incidents of medical negligence:

  1. Foreign matter left inside after surgery
  2. Wrong part Removed
  3. Doctor acting in a callous manner
  4. Death due to transfusion of blood from a wrong group

Implications of medical negligence:

  • Physical harm
  • Emotional harm
  • Financial harm
  • Loss of trust
  • Impact on the healthcare system

March 15, 2023 /15 Mar 2023, GS2, Guidelines, health, healthcare, medical negligence, social justice, Today's Article

India and Australia Relations

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Bilateral Relations

Source: TH, PIB

Context: Australian Prime Minister’s visit to India for India-Australia Summit concluded recently

Dimension Example
Economic ·         Bilateral trade (in 2022): over $31 billion (India’s exports: over $10 billion and imports at $17 billion)

·         Target: Both countries aim to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030

·         Agreement: Implementation of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) (2022) and early completion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)

o   ECTA slashed away duties on 96% of Indian exports and 85% of Australian exports.
Defence and security cooperation ·         Regular military exercises: “Malabar” exercises in August 2023 (India, Australia, Japan, and the US), India has been invited to join the Talisman Sabre exercises in 2023

·         Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) (signed between both countries in 2022) to enhance military interoperability

·         The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue (2022)

·         Membership: Both are members of the Quad, Commonwealth, Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and have participated in the East Asia Summits.

·         Indo-Pacific collaborations: Both Australia and India support a rules-based international order against China
Education and research collaboration ·         Letter of Intent on Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement to foster the exchange of skills.

·         Mutual Recognition of Educational Qualifications (MREQ) (2023)

·         Deakin University and the University of Wollongong are planning to open foreign university campuses in India.

·         Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF)
People-to-people ties ·         Indian Diaspora in Australia: Over 10 lakh people in Australia reported their ancestry as Indian origin.

·         Cultural exchanges: Annual Confluence Festival of India in Australia and the Oz Fest in India.
Shared Values ·         Pluralistic, Westminster-style democracies

·         Commonwealth traditions

·         Strong, vibrant, secular, and multicultural democracies

·         Free press

·         An independent judicial system

·         English language
Climate change and energy ·         Australia signed a Uranium supply deal with India (2014)

·         Letter of Intent on New and Renewable Energy for cooperation to reduce the cost of renewable energy technologies (signed in 2022)

·         India has given 10 million Australian dollars to Pacific Island Countries under the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

·         India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership
Strategic Indo-Pacific partnership ·         Shared vision: Free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, based on respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law.

·         Multi-lateral engagements: G20, India-Pacific Infrastructure Partnership (IPIP), the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

·         Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) (between India, Australia and Japan)
Science and Technology Cooperation MoU between ISRO and Australian Space Agency (ASA) (2020) for space cooperation.
Historical Official relations started with the consulate General of India first opened as a Trade Office in Sydney in 1941.

Issues in the relation:

India-Australia relations face several challenges, including the controversy over the Adani coal mine project, which caused tensions due to protests by activists. Visa restrictions for Indian students and professionals seeking to work in Australia have also been a concern. Additionally, attacks on the Indian diaspora and temples by Khalistan supporters have caused strains in the relationship.

Way forward:

The India-Australia relationship has grown stronger due to shared interests, values, and goals. Both countries want a free, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, and they aim to resolve any disagreements or conflicts through peaceful means.

Insta Links:

India-Australia Relations

Mains Links

Australia’s interests do not just align with India’s; they are inextricably entwined. Discuss. (150 words)

Prelims Links:

Q.1 Consider the following countries: (UPSC 2018)

  1. Australia
  2. Canada
  3. China
  4. India
  5. Japan
  6. USA

Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6

Ans: C

March 15, 2023 /15 Mar 2023, Australia, india, India-Australia relations, International Relations, Today's Article

Powering the Amrit Kaal through an integrated approach to ensure energy security

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Infrastructure (Energy)

Source: IE

Context: An integrated approach that focuses on renewable energy along with the exploration of traditional fuels is the key to energy security in the next 25 years in India.

Need for an integrated approach:

  • 3As: Ensuring energy access, availability and affordability for India’s large population.
  • As the world’s fastest-growing major economy with rising energy needs, India will account for approximately 25% of the global energy demand growth between 2020-2040.

The success story of India:

  • When petrol and diesel prices went up by 35-40% in the US, Canada, Spain and the UK, prices of diesel in India have actually gone down in the last 1 year.
    • This is despite the fact that India imports over 85% of its crude oil and 55% of its natural gas requirements.
  • When several countries in India’s neighbourhood have had dry outs and power cuts to manage demand, there has been no shortage of fuel anywhere in India.

How was this made possible?

Through a pragmatic and balanced energy strategy → ensuring energy justice.

Focus on traditional fuels:

  • The Centre and many states announced massive cuts in excise duty and VAT rates.
  • Oil PSUs absorbed huge losses to ensure that the massive hikes in the prices of crude oil and natural gas were not passed on to Indian consumers.
  • Subsidised APM gas for the city gas distribution sector was drastically increased.
  • Imposing an export cess on petrol, diesel and ATF.
  • A windfall tax on domestically produced petroleum products to prevent refiners and producers from profiteering at the cost of domestic consumers.
  • Over the years, India has expanded –
    • Its network of crude oil suppliers from 27 nations to 39 nations. For example, in the US, the energy trade has gone up 13 times in the last four years.
    • Its refining capacity (450 MMT by 2040) – India is a global exporter of petroleum products [refining capacity is the 4th-largest after the US, China and Russia].
    • Traditional fuel exploration – reduced the prohibited/no-go areas in its EEZ by 99%, releasing nearly 1 million sq km for exploration.
    • These strategic market cards not only ensured affordable energy for Indian consumers but also had a calming effect on global petroleum markets.
  • India is also pushing to move towards a gas-based economy by increasing the share of gas from the current 3 to 15% by 2030.

Focus on alternative fuels/energy transition:

  • India announced its net-zero emissions by 2070 and cutting down emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030 targets.
  • At the India Energy Week 2023, India took a giant stride in its biofuel revolution by launching E20 – 20% ethanol-blended gasoline, which will be rolled out in 15 cities in the next 2 years.
    • India’s ethanol-blending gasoline has grown from just 53% in 2013-14 to 10.17% in 2023.
  • India is also setting up five 2nd-generation ethanol plants that can convert agricultural waste into biofuel, further reducing pollution due to stubble burning, and generating income for farmers.
  • The National Green Hydrogen Mission has been launched with an outlay of Rs 19,744 crore to accelerate India’s efforts towards 4 MT of annual green hydrogen production.
    • It will save Rs 1 lakh crore in cumulative fossil fuel import savings by 2030.
  • India is also supporting electric vehicles through a production-linked incentive scheme to make advanced fuel cells of 50-gigawatt hours.
  • India is also targeting the installation of alternative fuel stations (EV charging/ CNG/ LPG/ LNG/ CBG) at 22,000 retail outlets by May 2024.

Conclusion:

Energy security and independence remain the main objectives as India implements its Amrit Kaal plan to grow to a $ 26 trillion economy by 2047.

Insta Links:

India wants energy transition on its own terms – without phasing out coal and with more grants

March 15, 2023 /15 Mar 2023, 15 March CA, Amrit Kaal, E20, energy security, Energy transition, GS 3, National Green Hydrogen Mission, Today's Article, Today’s article

What is the SoO agreement with tribal insurgent groups that the Manipur govt withdrew from?

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism

Source: IE

Context: The state government of Manipur decided to withdraw from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with two hill-based tribal militant groups.

Background: Two hill-based tribal militant groups – Kuki National Army (KNA) and Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) were allegedly influencing agitation among forest encroachers.

The Kuki people:

  • They are an ethnic group native to the Mizo Hills (formerly Lushai) – a mountainous region in the southeastern part of Mizoram and Manipur in India.
  • In Northeast India, they are present in all states except Arunachal Pradesh and some 50 tribes of Kuki peoples are recognised as STs.
  • The Chin people of Myanmar and the Mizo people of Mizoram are related to the Kukis and are collectively termed the Zo

What are the roots of the Kuki insurgency?

  • The Kuki insurgency gained momentum after ethnic clashes with the Nagas of Manipur in the early 1990s.
  • While the two tribes have shared a hostile relationship since colonial times, clashes took place in the 1990s when claims of “kuki homeland” in the Manipur hills overlapped with the imagined Naga homeland of Greater Nagaland/Nagalim.
  • While the Naga movement is the country’s longest-running insurgency, underground Kuki groups too have fought the Indian government for an ‘independent Kuki homeland’ since then.

What is the SoO pact?

  • There are nearly 30 Kuki insurgent groups in Manipur, of which 25 are under tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) with the Government of India and the state.
  • The SoO pact was signed on August 22, 2008, with the primary objective of initiating political dialogue.

What are the terms of the SoO pact?

  • The important terms under the pact are that security forces, including state and central forces, are not to launch any operations, nor can the underground groups.
  • The signatories (like UPF, and KNO) shall abide by the Constitution of India, the laws of the land and the territorial integrity of Manipur.
  • They are prohibited from committing all kinds of atrocities, extortion, etc.

Impact of SoO pact:

  • The Kuki outfits who were initially demanding a separate Kuki state have come down to a ‘Kukiland territorial council’, which would have financial and administrative powers independent of the Manipur Assembly and government.
  • As a rehabilitation package, the UG cadres living in the designated camps are given a monthly stipend of Rs 5000.
    • Financial assistance is also being provided to maintain the designated camps.

What next?

  • The revocation of the SoO agreement has now raised questions about the government’s intent to resolve the issue earliest.
  • Feeling ignored, the outfits could once again start insurgency activities threatening the internal security of a strategically located region.

Insta Links:

The history of the Kuki insurgency in Manipur

Mains Links:

The northeastern region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region. (UPSC 2017)

March 15, 2023 /15 Mar 2023, 15 March CA, GS 3, Kuki insurgency, Naga movement, Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, Today's Article, Today’s article

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Dry and Wet Waste Management Technologies

Source: PIB

Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) – Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) (established under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog) has demonstrated various technologies for waste management.

  • SHESHA: It is a compact helical-shaped waste converter aimed to manage biodegradable waste generated in small housing societies, restaurants, etc
  • Rapid composting technology: It decomposes Kitchen waste using cellulolytic fungi Trichoderma koningiopsis (isolated from tree bark).

The aim of AIC-BARC is to foster synergy between government research facilities and tech entrepreneurs.

Plastic Waste Management

Source: BBC

A solar-powered system that can convert plastic waste and CO2 into syngas and glycolic acid (both used for the production of several by-products) has been developed by the University of Cambridge.

  • The system uses catalysts that are integrated into a light absorber and can work at room temperature and pressure.

Usage: Such examples can be used as innovations for addressing “Waste disposal” in S&T and Environment Papers.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Bobbili Veena

Source: NIE

Alluri Sitharama Raju and Komaram Bheem

Source: Indian Express

Context: Inspired by the lives of Indian freedom fighters Alluri Sitharama Raju, and Komaram Bheem telugu movie ‘RRR’ is garnering attention on the global stage after winning Best Original Song for ‘Naatu Naatu’ at the 2023 Oscars.

About Alluri Sitharama Raju:

  • Raju channelled the discontent of the hill people in Ganjam, Visakhapatnam, and Godavari into an effective guerrilla resistance against the British.
  • Colonial rule threatened the tribals’ traditional podu (shifting) cultivation, as the government sought to secure forest lands.
  • The Forest Act of 1882 banned the collection of minor forest produce such as roots and leaves, and tribal people were forced into labour by the colonial government.
  • Strong anti-government sentiment, exploded into armed resistance in August 1922.
  • The Rampa or Manyam Rebellion continued in the form of a guerrilla war until May 1924, when Raju, the charismatic ‘Manyam Veerudu’ or Hero of Jungle, was finally captured and executed.

About Komaram Bheem:

  • Komram Bheem was born in the Gond tribal community at Sankepally village in Komarambheem District, renamed after him in 2016.
  • The Nizam government used to collect tax in the name of ‘Bambram’ and ‘Dupapetti’ from people grazing cattle and collecting firewood for cooking.
  • In opposition, Bheem spread the message of “Jal, Jangal, Zameen” (water, forest land) among tribal people. This has become a clarion call for indigenous people’s rights to natural resources, used in many parts of India to date.

Gun Licensing

Source: IE

Context: The Punjab government in India has cancelled 813-gun licenses as part of its efforts to clamp down on the “gun culture” in the state

  • Previously, the Punjab government had asked for the removal of content glorifying violence, drugs, and liquor from YouTube and other social media platforms.

Recent Killings:  Murders of kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambian (March 2022), Singer Sidhu Moosewala (May 2022) and Killing of Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri (November 2022)

Legal Aspect:

  • The Indian Arms Act of 1959 stipulates that no one can acquire, possess or carry firearms without a license.
  • The Act bars one person from carrying more than three firearms (now amended to just one firearm)
    • Exceptions: One can carry more firearms if the person is a licensed dealer, belongs to the armed forces of the Union, or is a member of a rifle club or association licensed or recognised by the Centre.
  • The Arms act allows Indian citizens aged 21 years and above to get Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB) guns (Bore refers to the diameter of a gun’s bullets)
    • NPB guns adhering to .35,.33, .22, and .380 are permissible for a license.
    • Prohibited Bore guns of bores .38, .455, and .303 can only be issued to defence personnel or persons facing imminent threats to life.
  • Criteria for granting license: A license can only be granted for purposes of self-defence, crop protection, or sports.
  • Authority: Applications for the grant of arms license for NPB weapons are dealt with by the State Government/DM concerned, based on background checks by local police.
  • Period of Licence: Five years.
  • Arms Rules, 2016: Applying for an arms license, rifle club, association, or firing range required one to complete a safety training course involving safe handling and carrying procedures.

BIS Launches ‘Learning Science via Standards’ Series

Source: PIB

Context: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has launched ‘Learning Science via Standards’, a unique initiative for students.

About the initiative- ‘Learning Science via Standards’:

  • It focuses on a series of lesson plans aimed to use scientific concepts, principles and laws to help students understand their practical applications in manufacturing, functioning and testing of quality characteristics of different products as stated in the relevant Indian Standards.
  • The series is in a continuum with an earlier BIS initiative under which ‘Standards Clubs’ are being established in educational institutions across India.

Benefits:

  • Bridges the gap between theory and real-life usage of science education.
  • Contributes towards the capacity building to successfully engage in a variety of economic sectors in the country.

About BIS:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (est. 1986, HQ: Old Delhi, Statutory body) is the National Standards Body of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. It is established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 which came into effect in October 2017.

Atal Innovation Mission launches ATL Sarthi

Source: PIB

Context: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) – NITI Aayog launched ATL Sarthi, a comprehensive self-monitoring framework to strengthen the ever-growing ecosystem of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL).

About ATL Sarthi:

  • As the name suggests, Sarthi is a charioteer and ATL Sarthi will enable the ATLs to be efficient and effective.
  • The initiative has four pillars ensuring the performance enhancement of ATLs through regular process improvements
    • like a self-reporting dashboard known as ‘MyATL Dashboard’ and
    • Compliance SOPs for schools to ensure financial and non-financial compliance,
    • On-ground enablement of ATLs in collaboration with relevant local authorities through a Cluster-based Approach and
    • Providing ownership to schools to analyze their performance through Performance-Enablement (PE) Matrix.

About AIM:

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is the Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

STRANGE Method

Source: The Hindu

Context: Researchers have proposed the STRANGE method to address bias in animal behaviour research.

About STRANGE Method:

  • STRANGE stands for Social background, Trappability and self-selection, Rearing history, Acclimation and habituation, Natural changes in responsiveness, Genetic makeup, and Experience.
  • Researchers are beginning to recognize that animals have individual tendencies, habits, and life experiences that can affect how they perform in experiments, so much published research on animal behaviour may be biased.
  • By considering STRANGE factors with every experiment and being transparent about how they might affect their results, scientists can work to reduce these biases.

Open Source

Source: TH

Arms trade

Source: SIPRI    

Context: Ukraine became the world’s third-largest arms importer in 2022 after Qatar and India, accounting for 2% of global arms imports in the past five years (as per the new data on global arms transfers Report by SIPRI)

Other Major Findings of the Report

Global:

  • Europe: Between 2013-2017 and 2018-2022, European countries increased their imports of major arms by 47%, while global transfers of arms decreased by about 5%
  • US (top exporter): The US’s share of global arms exports increased from 33% to 40%, while Russia’s share (2nd most top exporter) fell from 22% to 16%, and France’s (3rd most top exporter) share increased from about 7% to 11%.

India

  • India’s share of global arms import was highest in the past five years, followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Australia.
  • India’s arms import has decreased
  • Russia> France> US> and Israel were the major exporter to India

Initiatives by the Indian government for Defence Indigenisation:

  • Priority to domestic manufacturers (under Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020)
  • Positive Indigenisation Lists
  • 74% FDI under automatic route
  • SRIJAN portal ( to promote Indigenisation by Indian Industry)
  • Two Defence Industrial Corridors (in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu)
  • Mission DefSpace; Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme etc.

About SIPRI

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (est. 1966, HQ: Stockholm, Sweden) is an independent international institute based in Stockholm. It provides data, analysis and recommendations for armed conflict, military expenditure and arms trade as well as disarmament and arms control.

Military Exercises in News

Source: PIB

  • Exercise Bold Kurukshetra (Jodhpur): Singapore Army and Indian Army
  • Exercise La Perouse: Multilateral exercise conducted by French Navy for enhancing coordination amongst the participating navies in Indo-Pacific Region. India, the USA, Japan, Australia, the UK etc. are participants
  • Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX): It is a naval exercise conducted with multiple friendly countries like Japan, France etc

Related News:

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) project

Source: PIB

The Indian Army has awarded the first-ever procurement order for an Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) project ( to Indian startup M/s Hyper Stealth Technologies Pvt Ltd.) for procurement of an indigenously developed Integrated Mobile Camouflage System (IMCS) for Armoured Fighting Vehicles

The iDEX (under the Ministry of Defence) initiative was launched to encourage technological development in defence and aerospace by engaging R&D institutes, academia, and industries, including MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators.