General Awareness

DEFENCE - March 2023

Mar 2023

Feb 06, 2024

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi is New Army Vice Chief

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi was appointed as the new vice chief of Army staff.
He assumed charge from Lt Gen M. V. Suchindra Kumar, who took over as the Northern Army commander in Udhampur.
Lt Gen Dwivedi is the senior-most officer to take over from Army chief Gen Manoj Pande when he retires in May this year (2024).
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Lt Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into the 18th battalion of the Regiment of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (JAK Rifles) in December 1984.

IIT Madras Partners with Munitions India for Indigenous 155mm Smart Ammunition

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) partnered with Munitions India Limited, a Defence Public Sector Enterprise, to develop India's first indigenously-designed 155 Smart Ammunition. This initiative will help achieve indigenisation in a critical defence sector.
The objective is to increase the accuracy of 155 mm shell within a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 metres. At present, ammunitions developed in India have a CEP of 500 m. Another key goal is to increase the lethality at the terminal impact point.
Munitions India Limited comes under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and is India's biggest manufacturer and market leader engaged in the Production, Testing Research and Development and Marketing of a comprehensive range of ammunition and explosives for the Army, Navy, Air force and Paramilitary Forces.

Feb 05, 2024

Uttarakhand Police Adopt Self-Balancing E-scooters for Smart Patrols

Director General Abhinav Kumar, overseeing police operations in Haridwar, inaugurated a novel approach to law enforcement by deploying self-balancing electric scooters, generously donated by Utkarsh Small Finance Bank. These eco-friendly vehicles are set to revolutionise police patrol in the bustling streets of Haridwar, enhancing crowd management and promoting sustainability.
The introduction of self-balancing electric scooters marks a significant leap forward in police patrol strategies in Haridwar. These vehicles, equipped with cutting-edge technology, empower law enforcement officers to efficiently navigate through narrow streets and crowded areas, ensuring the safety of both tourists and local residents.

Feb 04, 2024

Vayu Shakti 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will put on a full show of its firepower capabilities at the Vayu Shakti 2024 exercise on February 17 in Pokhran, Rajasthan. All frontline aircraft, including the Rafale fighter jets and Prachand attack choppers, will feature in the event.
This year's (2024) edition of the Vayu Shakti exercise will see all major fighter aircraft, including the Su-30MKIs, LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000 and MiG-29s, and showcasing their firepower by shooting missiles and bombs at designated targets.
This is the first time that the Rafale fighter jets, Prachand choppers, as well as the Samar surface-to-air weapon system will take part in the exercise which the IAF has been conducting since 1954.

India-US Seal $4B MQ-9B Armed Drone Deal

India's strategic collaboration with the United States in defense took a significant leap forward with the procurement of MQ-9B armed drones. This acquisition underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations and represents a pivotal moment in enhancing India's military capabilities.
The MQ-9B, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., epitomizes the cutting-edge advancements in armed drone technology. Designed to provide unparalleled intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, the MQ-9B heralds a new era in modern warfare.

Feb 03, 2024

Indian Navy Declares 2024 as 'Year of Naval Civilians'

In a strategic move to bolster efficiency and bolster the well-being of its civilian workforce, the Indian Navy declared 2024 as the 'Year of Naval Civilians.' This groundbreaking initiative targets comprehensive Civilian HR Management, with a sharp focus on enhancing administrative efficiency, embracing digital transformation, implementing targeted training programs, and fostering employee welfare activities.
The 'Year of Naval Civilians' initiative represents a bold step towards maximising efficiency, promoting employee welfare, and strengthening the Indian Navy as a future-ready maritime force. By focusing on key areas of improvement, the Navy is poised to maintain its status as a credible, cohesive, and operationally effective naval power.

Feb 02, 2024

Indian Navy Inducts Survey Vessel INS Sandhayak

The Indian Navy commissioned its latest survey vessel INS Sandhayak and the ship is expected to boost the force's surveillance apparatus in the strategic waterways. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar and Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command were among the distinguished guests who graced the occasion.
Built by the GRSE in Kolkata, the 110-meter-long INS Sandhayak displaces about 3,800 tonnes and boasts an impressive 80 percent indigenous content.
The new INS Sandhayak is not the first vessel to bear this name; it follows in the wake of its predecessor, which was decommissioned on June 4, 2021. However, this reincarnation brings with it enhanced features and capabilities, making it a formidable asset for the Indian Navy.

India's Rs. 6.21 Lakh crore Defence Budget

In a landmark move ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman disclosed the allocation of a staggering Rs. 6.21 lakh crore for India's Ministry of Defence during the Interim Budget presentation in Parliament. This marked a 4.3% increase from the previous year, constituting a substantial portion of the Union Budget at 13.04%.
A pivotal aspect of this year's defence budget is the introduction of a groundbreaking scheme by Finance Minister Sitharaman. This initiative aims to fortify DeepTech technologies for defence purposes, aligning with the pursuit of 'atmanirbharta' (self-sufficiency) within India's defence forces.
Breaking down the substantial allocation, Rs. 1.72 lakh crore is designated for military capital expenditure, Rs. 1.4 lakh crore for defence pensions, and Rs. 2.8 lakh crore for defence services. Capital expenditure spans salaries, pensions, modernisation, production establishments, maintenance, and research and development.

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