Defence capsule

#currentaffairs Rampage Missiles Why in the news? 👉Recently, Rampage Missiles has been inducted by Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. About Rampage Missile: 👉Long-range, supersonic, Air-to Surface, precision strike missile. 👉Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli Military Industries Systems. 👉Range:~250 kms. 👉Guidance: GPS/ Inertial Navigation System (INS) navigation with anti-jamming capabilities. ➡️INS is an electronic system that is able to detect and measure change in motion of an object.

#currentaffairs India-Indonesia Relations Why in the news? 👉India and Indonesia completed 75 years of diplomatic ties 👉The foundation of diplomatic ties between both the countries was laid by visit of the Indonesian President in 1950 and the Treaty of Friendship (1951). Key Aspects of Relationships: 1. Political: 👉Both countries were part of Bandung Conference 1955 which led to establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement (1961). 👉Established Strategic Partnership in 2005, later elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 👉Both countries cooperate in common groups like G20, Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), East Asia Summit, Unite Nations etc. 👉Indonesia is part of India’s Act East Policy (2014). 2. Trade 👉Indonesia has emerged as India’s largest trade partner in ASEAN region. 👉India is the second largest buyer of crude palm oil from Indonesia. 3. Maritime Cooperation in the Indo- Pacific 👉Indonesia is strategically located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. 👉Under Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative, India is helping development of port infrastructure (E.g. Sabang port). 4. Joint Military Exercises: 👉Samudra Shakti, India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol.

The United States has accused Russia of the use of the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops in the ongoing conflict, and has ordered the sanctioning of over 280 individuals and entities to impose additional costs on Russia for its foreign aggression.

India, Israel conduct joint security drill in Delhi. The drill was held against the backdrop of heightened security for the Israeli mission in New Delhi following the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict last October. The Israeli embassy collaborated with Indian security forces to conduct a joint security drill in New Delhi that was aimed at assessing the readiness of security personnel to counter potential future threats. The security drill, conducted last week, was joined by the Union home ministry, Delhi Police, National Security Guard (NSG) and local emergency services such as the fire department and traffic police, the Israeli embassy said in a statement on Wednesday.

Rise of Gig Economy 👉The Gig Economy refers to the trend of individuals working temporary or flexible jobs, often through online platforms such as Uber, Ola, Swiggy, and Zomato. This type of work has grown in popularity in recent years as it offers more flexibility and independence for workers, and can be a cost-effective solution for businesses. 👉But it also has concerns about the lack of job security and benefits for gig economy workers. 👉Therefore, it should be backed by government regulations and policies to protect workers' rights and ensure fair treatment. What is the Gig Economy? 👉A Gig economy is a free market system in which temporary positions are common and organisations contract with independent workers for short-term engagements. - Gig Worker: A person who performs work or participates in a gig work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of traditional employer-employee relationship. 👉According to a report by Boston Consulting Group, India’s gig workforce comprises 15 million workers employed across industries such as software, shared services and professional services. Growth Drivers of the Gig Economy in India: 👉Rise of the Internet and Mobile Technology 👉Economic Liberalisation: A more open market has encouraged the growth of the gig economy. 👉Increasing Demand for Flexible Work: flexible work arrangements allow to balance personal and professional lives. 👉Demographic factors: driven by the large and growing number of young, educated and ambitious Indians who are seeking to improve their livelihoods with side income generation. 👉Growth of E-commerce Issues Associated with the Gig Economy in India: 👉Lack of Job and Social Security: Many gig workers in India are not covered by labour codes and do not have access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. 👉Digital Divide: heavily relies on technology and internet access, this creates a barrier for those who lack access to these resources, and further exacerbates income inequality. 👉Exploitation by Companies: Gig workers in India are often paid less than traditional employees and may not have the same legal protections. 👉Social Isolation: Gig workers may not have the same social connections and support systems as traditional employees

BJP Manifesto on foreign policy: -UNSC Permanent membership -Establishment of IMEC -Fight against terrorism -SAGAR, Neighbourhood First Policy, Mineral Security -Voice of Global South, first responder -Diaspora -Bringing Back Bharatiya Artefacts -Promoting the Legacy of Lord Ram

The Defence Ministry has issued a tender to the public sector from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for purchasing made-in-India 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets expected to be worth over Rs 65,000 crore. This is set to be the largest order for indigenous military hardware to be placed by the Indian government ever. The tender was issued by the Defence Ministry to the HAL recently and they have been given three months to respond to it. The programme will help the IAF to replace its fleet of MiG-21s, MiG-23s and MiG-27s which have been either phased out or are set to be phased out in near future.

Trishakti Corps,Indian Army conducted a training exercise of Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) firing at Super High-Altitude Area of 17000 Feet in Sikkim. Missile Firing Detachments from Mechanised and Infantry Units of entire Eastern Command participated in the training exercise.

Report: India's Cochin Shipyard company signs Master Shipyard Repair Agreement with the US Navy. The Agreement came into effect from 5th April. This will facilitate repair of US Naval Vessel in CSL facility.

Indian Navy Signed contract with Astra Premier, Coimbatore, under iDEX Open Challenge 9.0 towards Design & Development of Indigenous Aircraft Towbarless Battery Powered Tug for Indian Navy. An indigenous traversing system for effective ground handling of aircraft, enhancing operation efficiency through self reliance, a move towards ensuring future proof Navy in consonance with the AatmanirbharBharat vision.

The first batch of Control Centres for the Automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System, ‘Project Akashteer’ were flagged off yesterday from Bharat Electronics Limited BEL, Ghaziabad. This is a significant induction in developing indigenous capabilities for automation of Air Defence operations in consonance with achieving Aatmanirbharta in the Defence Sector.

An IAF Apache helicopter carried out a precautionary landing during an operational training sortie in #Ladakh AOR on 03 April.During the process of this landing, it sustained damage due to undulating terrain and high altitude. Both the pilots on board are safe and have been recovered to the nearest airbase. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause

Indian Air Force recently took the delivery of the first among many indigenously designed and developed Crash Fire Tender (CFT) Manufactured by an Noida based Indian MSME firm against a contract worth ₹ 291 Cr the Indian manufacturer ensured the delivery of the CFT within 14 months of contract signing. This was achieved inspite of multiple disruptions in global supply chain. As envisaged and promised IAF continues to hand hold the Indian Defence Manufacturing and Production entities.

The first Cosmonaut of India, Sqn Ldr Rakesh undertook his space journey on this day, 40 years ago.

Defence exports have touched a record Rs 21,083 crore (approx. US$ 2.63 Billion) in the Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, a growth of 32.5% over the last fiscal when the figure was Rs 15,920 crore. The recent figures indicate that the defence exports have grown by 31 times in the last 10 years as compared to FY 2013-14. The private sector and the DPSUs have contributed about 60% and 40% respectively.

The Indian Air Force disclosed that the accidental firing of a BrahMos missile into Pakistan in March 2022 was due to combat connectors remaining connected to the junction box. The convoy commander failed to ensure safe transit by not disconnecting the connectors prior to movement. This incident affected India-Pakistan relations, leading to the termination of three officials invoking the "President's pleasure" clause, a decision not taken in the IAF for 23 years. Wing Commander UN Pathak confirmed this decision in a reply to the Delhi High Court. The incident caused a loss to the tune of ₹25 crore to the government exchequer, it said, adding that the Indian Air Force's ‘reputation was damaged as well.’

Indian Army conducted exercise to validate integrated anti aircraft weapon systems for detection & destroying aerial targets including Swarm Drones in preparation of future wars.