Since 1977, the South Lhonak Lake, a glacial lake in Sikkim has expanded significantly, growing from 17 hectares to 167 hectares by 2023.
Formation of Glacial Lakes:
When a glacier melts and retreats, the hollow left behind often fills with water, creating a glacial lake.
The rocky moraine at the glacier’s end can act as a natural dam, holding the water to form the lake.
Glacial lakes act as hydrological buffers, regulating water flow from melting ice, which can sometimes pose challenges to downstream communities.
Glacial lakes often have a vivid blue color, similar to swimming pools, due to the scattering of light by fine rock particles (rock flour) in the water.
There are several types of glacial lakes, each formed by specific processes and glacier dynamics:
Moraine-Dammed Lakes: Formed when moraine debris piles up at the end of a glacier and traps meltwater behind it. These are common and pose risks of outburst flooding.
Kettle Lakes: This was created when a chunk of glacier ice is buried in the moraine and eventually melts, leaving a depression filled with water.
Cirque Lakes: Formed in circular basins (cirques) carved by glaciers at high elevations. These lakes are often small and located at the glacier’s original head.
Pro-glacial Lakes: Situated in front of the glacier, between the ice and the moraine dam. These lakes are sometimes formed when the glacier’s snout melts and deposits water in the valley.
Tarn Lakes: Formed in depressions left behind in the cirques or basins after the glacier has completely melted.
Major Glacial Lakes in India
India’s Himalayan region is home to numerous glacial lakes, each with unique characteristics:
Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim): One of the highest lakes in the world at 5,430 meters above sea level, fed by glacial melt and known for its religious significance.
Chandra Taal (Himachal Pradesh): A stunning crescent-shaped lake in the Lahaul-Spiti region at 4,300 meters. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and fed by glacier melt.
Samiti Lake (Sikkim): Located along the trek to Kanchenjunga and known for its clear blue waters and reflective quality.
Satopanth Tal (Uttarakhand): Found in the Garhwal Himalayas, this lake lies close to Satopanth Glacier and is considered sacred by locals.
South Lhonak Lake (Sikkim): A growing lake fed by three glaciers, expanding rapidly due to climate change and posing risks of glacial lake outburst floods.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following pairs:
Glacier: River
Bandarpunch: Yamuna
Bara Shigri: Chenab
Milam: Mandakini
Siachen: Nubra
Zemu: Manas
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 3 and 5 only
A recent study from Michigan Medicine found that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder, increases the risk of dementia (loss of cognitive functioning) in adults, especially in women.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
OSA is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to blocked airways.
It is marked by episodes of disrupted or restricted breathing, leading to brief awakenings throughout the night.
Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air, morning headaches, and daytime drowsiness.
Risk Factors: Common in individuals who are overweight, have large tonsils or suffer from nasal congestion.
In India, approximately 10.4 lakh people are reported to suffer from OSA, as per government data.
Untreated OSA is associated with various health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
Recent Findings on OSA and Dementia Risk
A study from Michigan Medicine found a link between OSA and increased dementia risk, especially in older adults over 50.
Women with known or suspected OSA were found to have a higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to men, with dementia diagnoses increasing as women age.
Another study by NIMHANS focused on the link between stroke and OSA.
105 stroke patients over the age of 50 were studied using polysomnography (PSG), which tracks brain waves and sleep breathing patterns.
Results showed that 88%of stroke patientshadsleep apnea soon after their stroke, with 38% having severe OSA.
Employees of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) institutions have expressed concerns over the delay in revising their pay scales.
Aboutthe Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR):
Details
Establishment
It was established as an Autonomous organization, in 1969 on the recommendation of Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao Committee (National Income Committee).
Nodal Ministry
Operates under the Ministry of Education.
Function
Promote, fund, and support social science research in India.
Objectives
• Encourage social science research
• Fund and coordinate research in various branches
• Collaborate with international research organizations
• Provide policy recommendations based on research
Organizational Structure
It is governed by a Council of eminent scholars and policymakers, supported by 24 research institutes and 6 regional centers.
Research Institutes
Funds institutes such as:
• Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram
• Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru
• Centre for Studies in Social Sciences (CSSS), Kolkata
• Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), Pune
Key Programs and Initiatives
• ICSSR Data Service: National repository for social science data
• NASSDOC: Documentation and library services
• Workshops and conferences to enhance research capabilities
International Collaboration
Collaborates with organizations like UNESCO and the Indian Council of World Affairs for joint projects and scholar exchanges.
PYQ:
[2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?
1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Q) How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC CSE 2018)
Q) How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (UPSC CSE 2019)
Q) Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment:The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a region in southern India, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. However, it faces significant environmental challenges that threaten its ecological balance and the livelihoods of local communities.
Today’s editorial explores the pressing issues surrounding the Nilgiris as a shared wilderness, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and community involvement in conservation efforts.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Experts at a recent conference emphasized the urgent need for community involvement in restoration efforts within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR).
They highlighted threats such as invasive species, unregulated tourism, and land use changes that have disrupted the ecological balance.
About the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR):
• Located in the Western Ghats of southern India, it is a critical ecological zone renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. • Established in 1986, it was the first biosphere reserve in India and is recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. • The NBR spans parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, making it a significant area for conservation efforts.
Significance: • The diverse vegetation types, ranging from tropical evergreen forests to montane sholas and grasslands, contribute to the region’s ecological richness. • It supports many endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque. • The region’s forests are crucial for watershed management, helping to regulate water flow and maintain water quality for millions of people living downstream. • The forests within the NBR act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change effects.
What are the ecological challenges facing the Nilgiris?
Habitat Loss: Non-native plants like Lantana and Eucalyptus are taking over, outcompeting local flora and harming wildlife habitats.
Urbanization and agricultural expansion (like tea and coffee plantations) are destroying natural landscapes, leading to fragmentation of wildlife habitats.
Climate Change: Altered weather patterns are affecting plant and animal distributions, causing shifts in biodiversity and increasing soil erosion.
Unregulated Tourism: Increased tourist activity is causing littering and habitat disturbance, putting pressure on sensitive ecosystems.
As humans expand into wildlife areas, Human-animal conflicts arise, especially with elephants raiding crops, leading to retaliatory actions.
Illegal Activities: Poaching and illegal logging threaten the region’s biodiversity, particularly valuable species like sandalwood.
How do indigenous communities interact with and contribute to the conservation of the Nilgiris?
Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous peoples have deep knowledge about local plants and animals, helping them manage resources sustainably.
For example, Their traditional farming methods, such as rotational agriculture, promote ecological balance and help maintain wildlife habitats.
Sustainable Practices: Many rely on non-timber forest products (like honey and medicinal plants) and practice eco-friendly agriculture, which supports both their livelihoods and biodiversity.
Indigenous groups actively participate in conservation projects, such as restoring degraded areas and managing invasive species.
Advocacy: Indigenous leaders advocate for their rights to land and resources, emphasizing their role as protectors of the environment.
They pass down traditional knowledge to younger generations through workshops, ensuring that conservation practices continue.
What policies or initiatives are necessary to balance development and conservation in the Nilgiris?
Carbon Neutral Initiatives: Need to encourage eco-friendly tourism practices, such as cycling tours and car-free pathways, to reduce vehicular traffic and pollution.
Community Involvement: Facilitate the development of sustainable livelihoods that align with conservation goals, such as harvesting non-timber forest products. Their traditional knowledge can guide sustainable practices and restoration activities.
Regulation of Development Activities: State governments needs to enforce stringent regulations on construction activities to prevent encroachments and protect wetlands and other sensitive areas.
Restoration Projects: Need to develop programs that focus on restoring degraded habitats, such as montane grasslands and shola forests, which are critical for biodiversity.
Water Resource Protection: Need to implement measures to safeguard water bodies from pollution and encroachment, recognizing that the Nilgiris are vital water sources for surrounding regions.
For example, restoring wetland areas that have been converted for agriculture or development, enhancing their capacity to retain water and support biodiversity.
Way Forward: By recognizing the interconnectedness of culture and ecology, there is potential to develop sustainable practices that honor both the natural environment and the rich heritage of its inhabitants. The path forward lies in fostering collaboration and promoting awareness about the importance of conserving this unique biosphere for future generations.
Read about AIR-79′ Eshani Anand’s UPSCPreparationJourney
“Hi, I’m Ishani, AIR 79 in UPSC 2023. My journey was as much about personal growth as academic preparation. Initially, I followed conventional methods, but after my first prelims attempt, I realised the exam demanded a deeper self-awareness. Inspired by my father’s work in bureaucracy, I prioritised emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience. I developed my own strategies, like a ‘cookie jar’ of small achievements for motivation, and stayed grounded through supportive friends, journaling, and hobbies. This journey taught me that success comes from authenticity, adaptability, and continuous learning.”
Join me for a Zoom session on Nov 04th, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. It’s for everyone, whether you’re new to UPSC or you’ve tried before but are targeting a Top 50 rank in UPSC 2026.
In the session, we will discuss how to start and strategize your prep for UPSC 2026. I will share a precise stepwise study plan and approach for a top 50 rank. I will also discuss the philosophy of UPSC prep, what UPSC expects, and how you should adapt to meet those expectations.
We will deal with all the aspects for a comprehensive UPSC preparation.
We’ll talk about starting with the basics, NCERTs that aren’t just textbooks but your foundation stones. You will have to complement this with a disciplined approach to reading newspapers and covering CA. It’s not about skimming through; it’s about understanding the world around you, which is crucial for both Prelims and Mains.
Gradually how to progress to standard books, but do so with a strategy. You don’t just read; you analyze and understand. And here’s where the mindset plays a massive role. Transforming from an aspirant to a top ranker isn’t just about hard work but smart work, the right attitude, and persistence.
Focus on mastering answer writing should be from early on. Your notes should be concise, clear, and, most importantly, useful. You have to learn to weave current affairs with static portions seamlessly. This isn’t just preparation; it’s about building a habit, a discipline that will stand you in good stead for UPSC and life.
I’ve talked to thousands of UPSC hopefuls on YouTube and through Civilsdaily. I know what you’re up against because I’ve been there. In this webinar, I’ll also share my notes with you.
I genuinely believe std. resources and mock tests are not enough now to get a rank in UPSC CSE.
One must consider the overall preparation strategy and how he/she will approach the exam.
Now you need to define the exact plan.
This thinking gives you an edge over others in the exam. You become relaxed and confident throughout the journey, which is otherwise filled with lots of daily anxiety, fear, and uncertainty.
This Sunday, I am coming to help you create your own preparation plan, especially if you are a beginner. You must attend this.
My masterclass will be a reality check on modern-day UPSC prep. Not just my book list and strategy but also my inputs on your current strategy shared with you over our private Zoom meeting.”
Join me on 04th Nov, at 7 PM, for an exclusive webinar on UPSC 2026 preparation roadmap and how toperform at the alpha level in your very first attempt.
It will be a practical webinar and here’s what we will be discussing:
Micro Timetable for 2026 &How should an absolute beginner start his/ her UPSC 2026 prep? What are the high yielding areas that are quick to conquer and necessary to master.
Important Micro-themes for GS Papers (Absolute negotiable for every beginner) – If you miss mastering these, forget your rank, you will risk even your mental health – so get them right
Note-Making and Answer Writing & UPSC PYQs to show the difference between a beginner vs. a ranker’s attempt to the same question.
It will be a 45 minute webinar, post which we will open up the floor for all kinds of queries which a beginner must have. No questions are taboo and Eshani mam is known to be patiently solving all your doubts.
Join us for a Zoom session on 04th Nov 2024 at 7:00 p.m. This session is a must-attend for you If you are attempting UPSC for the first time or have attempted earlier and now preparing for next year, then it is going to be a valuable session for you too.
We will deal with all the aspects for a comprehensive UPSC Preparation.We’ll talk about starting with the basics, and move to advanced level.
See you in the session”
Register for the session for a focussed UPSC 2026 Prep
(Don’t wait—the next webinar won’t be until Dec 24)
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
Scientists have used LiDAR technology to find an ancient Mayan city hidden for centuries under a thick jungle in Mexico.
What is LiDAR?
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light pulses to measure distances between a sensor (often airborne) and Earth’s surface.
It produces high-resolution, 3D models of ground elevation with up to 10 cm vertical accuracy, as per the US Geological Survey.
How Does LiDAR Work?
LiDAR Setup: Includes a laser, a scanner, and a GPS receiver. The laser emits rapid pulses of light that reflect off surfaces on the ground, including natural features and man-made structures.
Data Collection: The reflected light returns to the sensor, and the LiDAR system calculates the two-way travel time to determine the distance to each point on Earth’s surface.
Data Processing: GPS and Inertial Measurement System (IMS) data are used to create accurate maps. The initial data forms a “point cloud” representing surfaces like vegetation, buildings, and terrain.
“Bare Earth” Model: By filtering out structures and vegetation, LiDAR can create a Digital Elevation Model that shows just the ground terrain.
Applications of LiDAR
Geography and Mapping: Creates precise 3D information for topographic mapping.
Urban Planning and Infrastructure: Used in planning transportation routes, assessing flood risk, and managing natural resources.
Engineering and Policy: Provides data for infrastructure design, environmental policy making, and land-use planning.
Why is LiDAR Useful for Archaeologists?
Large-Area Surveying: LiDAR enables archaeologists to study extensive areas quickly, bypassing the need for labor-intensive, on-ground exploration.
Vegetation Penetration: LiDAR can “see through” dense tree canopies by using the reflections that pass through gaps, allowing mapping of hidden structures and terrain.
Detailed Site Mapping: With “bare earth” models, archaeologists can strip away vegetation layers to reveal hidden archaeological sites.
Case Study – Maya Civilization: Archaeologists discovered the lost Mayan city of Valeriana in Mexico by analyzing publicly available LiDAR data, uncovering plazas, temple pyramids, a ballcourt, and other features indicative of a Classic Maya capital.
Where is the Indian Government using LiDAR ?
High-Speed Rail Projects: NHSRCL (National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited) uses aerial LiDAR surveys for the Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail Corridor, reducing survey time from 10-12 months to 3-4 months by capturing detailed topographical data within a 300-meter corridor.
National Highways: NHAI mandates Mobile LiDAR for feasibility studies and project reports, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of highway surveys across extensive networks.
Forest Mapping: The Ministry of Environment is piloting LiDAR-based forest mapping across states to improve forest management and accurately monitor forest cover changes.
Water Resource Management: WAPCOS is using LiDAR to identify groundwater recharge zones, aiding water resource management and mitigating human-animal conflicts in forested areas.
Urban Planning: Chandigarh and Gujarat are using LiDAR for GIS mapping and drone-based surveys, respectively, supporting detailed city models, urban planning, and infrastructure mapping.
Conclusion: LiDAR technology has revolutionized fields from archaeology to urban planning by providing precise 3D mapping. In India, it’s enhancing infrastructure projects, environmental monitoring, and urban planning, proving invaluable for efficient, large-scale data collection and analysis.
Over nine years ago, the world promised to cut emissions significantly, but it hasn’t succeeded. As a result, the goal of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees is now out of reach.
Is the 1.5°C Target Still Achievable?
Rising Emissions: Global emissions are still increasing, with 2023 seeing record levels. Despite clean energy advancements, emissions reductions have been insufficient to meet the pace required for the 1.5°C target.
Potential for Emission Peaking: The UNEP Emissions Gap Report suggests that emissions could peak by 2023 or 2024 if significant additional measures are taken, but global actions remain inconsistent and often insufficient.
Need for Accelerated Action: For the 1.5°C goal, global emissions need to drop by at least 43% by 2030 from 2019 levels.
Current projections indicate only a 2.6% reduction by 2030, far short of the required cuts.
Technological and Financial Challenges: Achieving the 1.5°C target hinges on rapid technological deployment, energy transition, and substantial financing for climate action. However, these remain constrained by a lack of coordination and resources.
Implications of Exceeding the 1.5°C Limit
Increased Frequency of Extreme Events: Exceeding 1.5°C would lead to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and intense storms.
Impacts on Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Many species and ecosystems are sensitive to small temperature changes; coral reefs, for instance, face near-total collapse beyond 1.5°C warming.
Threats to Human Health and Livelihoods: Exceeding 1.5°C could lead to more heat-related illnesses, loss of productivity, water scarcity, and risks to food security, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
Feedback Loops: Warming beyond 1.5°C may activate feedback loops (e.g., Arctic ice melt, permafrost thawing), which could lead to irreversible changes and make further warming difficult to control.
Should We Reconsider the Focus on the 1.5°C Target?
Adaptation vs. Mitigation: Given the increasing difficulty of limiting warming to 1.5°C, some argue for a shift in focus towards adaptation strategies to manage the unavoidable impacts of higher temperatures.
Realigning Expectations: While the 1.5°C target was critical to rally global climate action, a shift towards realistic, achievable goals may better support gradual but sustained progress, especially if mitigation pathways fall short.
Moving Towards a ‘Just Transition’: With a likely overshoot of the 1.5°C target, there is a greater need to ensure that climate adaptation and resilience measures do not disproportionately burden low-income countries and communities.
Science-Based Overshoot Scenarios: The IPCC and other scientific bodies continue to assess overshoot scenarios (e.g., temporarily exceeding 1.5°C and then returning below it later) to guide global climate strategies. However, returning to a lower temperature after an overshoot requires substantial and sustained negative emissions, which are currently unfeasible at scale.
Way forward:
Prioritize Scalable Emissions Reductions and Resilient Adaptation: Accelerate global transition to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and reduce methane and other non-CO₂ emissions. Simultaneously, invest in adaptation measures to help vulnerable communities manage the impacts of warming beyond 1.5°C.
Strengthen Climate Finance and International Cooperation: Mobilize substantial climate funding for developing nations to support both mitigation and adaptation efforts. Enhance cross-border technology sharing and policy alignment to enable collective, equitable climate action.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)
In the US system, when people vote for a presidential candidate, they are actually voting to choose that candidate’s “electors,” who will then cast their votes for the President.
What is the structure and function of the Electoral College?
Composition: The Electoral College consists of 538 electors. A candidate needs a majority of 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
Allocation of Electors: Each state’s number of electors equals its Congressional delegation (one for each House member and two for Senators). California has the most electors (54), while six states and the District of Columbia have the smallest allocation (3 each).
Selection of Electors: Political parties select electors in each state before the election, typically choosing party loyalists or those with ties to the presidential candidate.
Electoral Voting Process: Electors meet in their state capitals in December to cast their votes for President and Vice President. This is mostly a formality, as electors generally vote for their party’s candidate.
Note:The Electoral College is a body of 538 electors who elect the U.S. President and Vice President, reflecting the popular vote in each state.
How does the Electoral College impact election outcomes?
Discrepancy Between Popular and Electoral Votes: Candidates can win the presidency without winning the national popular vote, as seen in the elections of 2000 and 2016. This discrepancy occurs due to the allocation of electoral votes based on state populations rather than a direct count of all votes.
Focus on Swing States: The winner-takes-all system encourages candidates to concentrate their campaign efforts on a few key swing states, which can lead to disproportionate attention and resources being directed there, often neglecting voters in states where one party is overwhelmingly dominant.
Strengthening the Two-Party System: The Electoral College reinforces a two-party system by making it challenging for third-party candidates to gain traction, as the winner-takes-all approach in most states discourages votes for non-major party candidates, leading to a perception that such votes are “wasted.”
What happens if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes?
House of Representatives Decides: If no candidate secures a majority of electoral votes, the election is decided by the House of Representatives, with each state delegation casting one vote for one of the top three candidates.
Senate Elects Vice President: Concurrently, the Senate elects the Vice President from the top two candidates for that office.
Historical Context: This scenario has occurred only a few times in U.S. history, most notably in the election of 1824 when John Quincy Adams was elected by the House after no candidate received a majority of electoral votes.
Difference between Indian and USA presidential election:
Aspect
India
USA
Electoral Process
Indirect election by an electoral college of MPs and state assembly members.
Indirect election through the Electoral College, where citizens vote for electors.
Voting System
Single transferable vote system, ensuring proportional representation.
Winner-takes-all system in most states; majority wins all electoral votes.
Electoral College
Comprised of elected representatives, totaling around 5,000 electors.
Consists of 538 electors based on Congressional representation.
Majority Requirement
Majority of electoral votes needed to win.
270 electoral votes needed to win.
Frequency of Elections
Every five years.
Every four years.
Nature of the Position
Primarily ceremonial; limited powers.
Head of state and government; significant executive powers.
Campaigning
Limited campaigning; party nominations prevail.
Extensive campaigning; candidates raise funds and engage voters directly.
Political Parties
Influenced by major parties, with independent candidates also eligible.
Dominated by a two-party system (Democratic and Republican).
Conclusion: The Electoral College consists of 538 electors, with a majority of 270 needed to win the presidency. It allocates electors based on state Congressional representation. It impacts elections by creating discrepancies between popular and electoral votes, focusing campaigns on swing states, and reinforcing a two-party system. If no majority is achieved, the House decides the president.
The Indian Army contingent has departed for Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia to take part in the 9th edition of India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24.
Note:
Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air forceexercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force.
Exercise Shakti is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France.
AboutExercise GARUD SHAKTI 24
Details
What is it?
A bilateral joint special forces exercise between India and Indonesia aimed at enhancing military cooperation.
Held alternatively in India and Indonesia.
History
Initiated in 2012 as part of defense cooperation between India and Indonesia.
Objectives
• Enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between special forces
• Share best practices and experiences in counter-terrorism
• Conduct joint operations and drills to improve interoperability
Activities
• Joint planning and execution of special operations
• Orientation on advanced special forces skills
• Sharing information on weapons, tactics, and techniques
• Operations practice in diverse terrains
• Cultural exchanges between troops
Significance
• Strengthens bilateral relations
• Fosters trust between India and Indonesia
• Contributes to regional security and addresses terrorism challenges
• Enhances operational capabilities of both armies
Recent Edition
Ninth Edition (2024): Scheduled from November 1 to 12, focusing on enhancing understanding, cooperation, and interoperability.
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 15th edition of VAJRA PRAHAR, a joint Special Forces exercise with the US Army.
AboutExercise VAJRA PRAHAR:
Details
What is it?
A joint Special Forces exercise between India and the US aimed at enhancing military cooperation.
Inception
Started in 2010 as part of bilateral defense cooperation between India and the US.
No exercises held between 2012 and 2015 and in 2020.
Frequency
Conducted annually, alternately in India and the United States.
15th Edition Dates
Scheduled from 2nd to 22nd November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre, Idaho, USA.
Participants
45 personnel from each country; Indian Army’s Special Forces and US Army’s Green Berets.
Objectives
• Enhance military cooperation
• Promote interoperability and tactical exchange
• Improve combined capabilities in joint operations
Key Focus Areas
• High physical fitness standards
• Joint planning and tactical drills
Significance
• Joint Team Mission Planning
• Reconnaissance Missions
• Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
• Execution of Special Operations
• Roles of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers
• Psychological Warfare
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