💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Regulatory Challenges in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

    Why in the News?

    In response to tightening regulations impacting operations, the RBI has recommended that investments exceeding 50% of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) units by a person resident outside India be treated as Indirect Foreign Investment.

    BACK2BASICS:

    What are Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)?

    • An Alternative Investment Fund or AIF is any fund established or incorporated in India that is a privately pooled investment vehicle that collects funds from sophisticated investors, for investing by a defined investment policy for the benefit of its investors.
    • AIFs are regulated by the SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).
    • As per the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012, an AIF can be set up as a trust, a company, a limited liability partnership, or a corporate body.

    Who can invest in an AIF?

    • Indian Residents, NRIs (Non-Resident of India), and foreign nationals are eligible to invest in these funds.
    • Joint investors can also invest in AIF. They can be spouse, parents, or children of investors.
    • The minimum investment amount for investors is Rs1 crore for investors. For directors, employees, and fund managers, this limit is Rs 25 lakh.
    • Most AIFs come with a minimum lock-in period of three years.
    • The maximum number of investors in every scheme is capped at 1,000. However, in the case of angel fund, the cap is 49.

    Categories of an applicant who can seek registration as an AIF:

    • Category I and II AIFs are required to be close-ended and have a minimum tenure of three years. Category III AIFs may be open-ended or close-ended.

    Note: Investment by an Indian company (which is owned or controlled by foreigners) into another Indian entity is considered as Indirect Foreign Investment (IFI). It is also known as downstream investment.

    Present Regulatory Landscape:

    • Regulatory Ambiguity: Recent regulatory notes have instilled mistrust in the industry, particularly regarding Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy surrounding AIFs, spooking investors and prompting reconsideration of fund deployment strategies.
    • Changing Stance: The regulatory stance has evolved, with amendments in 2015-16 allowing AIFs to attract foreign capital through the automatic route, promoting onshore management and incentivizing Indian fund managers to relocate to India.

    Offshore Alternatives:

    • Reason for Offshoring: Offshore funds benefit from a more stable regulatory environment, with considerations for tax implications necessitating careful structuring.
    • Attractive Destination: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has emerged as an attractive alternative for managers due to regulatory stability, tax incentives, and proximity to India.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?

    (a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.

    (b) It is a largely non-debt-creating capital flow.

    (c) It is the investment which involves debt-servicing.

    (d) It is the investment foreign institutional investors make in Government securities.

  • Spices Board discussing the setting of ETO Limits with CODEX

    Why in the News?

    • The Spices Board has proactively engaged with CODEX, the international food standards authority, to address the pressing issue of ethylene oxide (ETO) contamination in spices.
      • This initiative follows recent recalls of certain branded spices exported from India to Hong Kong and Singapore due to concerns regarding ETO contamination.
      • Concerns over spice quality have also been raised by countries like the US, New Zealand, and Australia, prompting ongoing evaluations of Indian Spice Imports.

    Back2Basics:  Spices Board of India

    • The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council on 26th February 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986 led to the formation of the Spice Board of India.
    • The Board functions as an International link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad with a Nodal Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
    • Headquartered in Kochi, it has regional laboratories in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Tuticorin, Kandla and Guntur.
    • Main Functions:
      • It promotes organic production, processing, and certification of spices.
      • Responsible for the overall development of Cardamom.
      • Focuses on post-harvest improvement programs for improving the quality of the 52 scheduled spices for export.
      • These programs are included under the head ‘Export Oriented Production’.

    About CODEX

      • The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an inter-governmental food standards body established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 1963.
        • Objective: Protecting consumer’s health and ensuring fair practices in food trade.
      • The Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) recognizes Codex standards, guidelines, and recommendations as reference standards.
    • Members:
    • Currently, the CAC has 189 Codex Members made up of 188 Member Countries and the EU.
      • India became a member in 1964.

    CODEX Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs

      • CODEX committee (CCSCH) was formed in 2013 with the support of more than a hundred countries with India as the host country and the Spices Board as the Secretariat for organizing the committee sessions.
    • Objectives:
      • To consult with other International Organisations for the standards development process in the spice market.
      • To develop and expand worldwide standards.
    • Since its inception, the CODEX Committee has been on a positive path in developing harmonized global standards for worldly herbs and spices.

    India’s push for Permissible ETO Limits

    • Advocacy for Limits: India has advocated for the establishment of limits for ETO usage, recognizing the variance in regulations across different countries.
      • CODEX, thus far, has not prescribed any limit for ETO usage, and India has submitted a proposal for standardizing ETO testing protocols.
    • Focus on Safety: While acknowledging the carcinogenic nature of ETO when used excessively, efforts to prevent contamination have been intensified.
      • Notably, India’s sample failure rate in spices exports is less than 1% in major markets, underscoring the industry’s commitment to quality and safety standards.

    Spice Market of India:

    • Production:
      • Major producing states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
      • The production of different spices has been growing rapidly over the last few years. During 2022-23, the export of spices from India stood at US$ 3.73 billion from US$ 3.46 billion in 2021-22.
      • India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties which are listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
    • Major Produced and Exported Spices by India: Pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils, and oleoresins.
      • Out of these spices, chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander make up about 76% of the total production.
    • Export: In 2023-24, India’s spice exports totaled $4.25 billion, accounting for a 12% share of the global spice exports. (till February 2024 data).
      • India exported spices and spice products to 159 destinations worldwide as of 2023-24. The top destinations among them were China, the USA, Bangladesh, the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UK, and Sri Lanka. (which comprises more than 70% of the total exports).

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?

    (a) Spices

    (b) Fresh fruits

    (c) Pulses

    (d) Vegetable oils

  • NISAR Satellite will be able to monitor Tectonic Movements: ISRO chief

    Why in the News?

    The ISRO Chief has confirmed that the NISAR Satellite would be able to monitor the Tectonic Movements of Earth with high precision with a centimeter accuracy.

    • Originally planned for July, the NISAR launch may be delayed to October-November due to issues on the U.S. spacecraft side.

    About NISAR Satellite:

    • NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint satellite mission between NASA and ISRO.
    • It would be a Low Earth Orbit observatory.
    • This mission is aimed at enhancing our understanding of Earth’s natural processes and environmental changes.

    Features of NISAR Satellite:

    • L-band and S-band Radar Frequencies:
        • NASA is responsible for the L-band radar, while ISRO provides the S-band radar.
        • This dual-band capability allows the satellite to monitor and measure Earth’s surface with high precision in all weather conditions and throughout both day and night.
    • Large Deployable Antenna: 
        • It is equipped with a large deployable antenna that measures 12 meters in diameter.
        • This large antenna enhances the satellite’s ability to capture detailed radar images with high resolution.
        • It will have a 39-foot stationary antenna reflector, made of a gold-plated wire mesh to focus radar signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.
    • Rapid Coverage: 
        • NISAR is designed to scan the entire Earth every 12 days.
        • This rapid revisiting is crucial for observing and understanding temporal changes in the environment, such as shifting vegetation patterns, ice dynamics, and other critical parameters.
    • Versatile Monitoring Capabilities: 
      • It will monitor Earth’s ecosystems and dynamics, including forest biomass, ice sheet collapses, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
      • Its radar system can penetrate vegetation and soil to provide three-dimensional reconstructions of structures and changes.

    PYQ:

    [2015] The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in the news, is the name of?

    (a) An indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence.

    (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim.

    (c) A scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region.

    (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region.

  • In News: Mahi River 

    Why in the News?

    Incidences of people drowning down into the Mahi River have become more frequent.

    About Mahi River

    • The Mahi River originates in the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh (hot semi-arid and watershed region), near Dhar.
    • It flows northward through Madhya Pradesh before turning westward upon entering Rajasthan. It then moves southwest, passing through Gujarat, and eventually empties into the Arabian Sea.
    • The river stretches for about 580 kilometers.
      • Soil Type: The Mahi River Basin consists of Deep Black soil (southern region) and Alluvial soil (northern region).
      • Major Tributaries: the Som, the Anas, the Panam, and the Goma.
      • Major Dams: Kadana Dam and the Mahi Bajaj Sagar (Banswara) Dam are significant hydroelectric and irrigation projects on the Mahi River.
      • Biodiversity: Supports diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Indian Skimmer and Gharial.

    Key Features:

    • It is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills to the north and northwest, the Malwa Plateau to the east, the Vindhyas to the south, and the Gulf of Khambhat to the west.
    • One of the most notable features of the Mahi River is its crossing of the Tropic of Cancer twice; once in Madhya Pradesh and again near the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:

    1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.

    2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.

    3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    With inputs from: https://indiawris.gov.in/downloads/Mahi%20Basin.pdf

  • [pib] Rabindranath Tagore and his legacy

    Why in the news?

    The Conservation and Cultural Archives Division of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) hosted an exhibition and lecture celebrating Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary in New Delhi.

    Tagore’s Journey to France

    • Tagore had visited the battlefields of the First World War, highlighting his deep humanity.
    • The narrative includes mentions of Alexandra David Neel, who recommended Tagore during his European tours, and Victoria Ocampo, who taught French to Tagore, enhancing his connection with French culture and intellectual society.

    About Rabindranath Tagore

    Details
    Birth and Early Life – Born on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta, India.
    Literary Career – Published his first poems at age 16 under the pen-name ‘Bhanusimha’.

    – Key works include “Gitanjali“, “Ghare-Baire“, “Gora“, and “Manasi“.
    Music and Art – Composed over 2,000 songs known as ‘Rabindra Sangeet’.

    – Our National Anthem was composed by him and it was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Calcutta Session of INC.

    – Created more than 2,000 paintings, influenced by European expressionism.
    Education – Founded Visva-Bharati University in 1921, integrating Eastern and Western philosophies.
    Political Views – He is said to have given the title of ‘Mahatma’ to Mohandas

    – Renounced his ‘Knighthood’ (awarded to him in 1915 by the British King George V) in 1919 following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
    Cultural Influence – Wrote the National Anthems of India (“Jana Gana Mana”) and Bangladesh (“Amar Sonar Bangla”).

    – Inspired the national anthem of Sri Lanka through a student.
    Awards and Recognition – Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for “Gitanjali“, the first non-European to win.

    – Awarded, and later renounced, a knighthood by British King George V in 1915.
    Philosophical Contributions – Advocated for the incorporation of the best aspects of Western culture with Indian culture to achieve anti-colonialism.
    Death – Passed away on August 7, 1941, in Calcutta.
    Legacy – Revered as ‘Gurudev’, ‘Kabiguru’, and ‘Biswakabi’. Highly influential in introducing Indian culture to the West and reshaping Bengali literature and music.
    Additional Contributions – Advocated for ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘National Integration’.

    – Spoke at the World Parliament of Religions, Chicago in 1929 and 1937.

    – Modernized Bengali prose and poetry, remembered for songs like ‘Ekla Chalo Re’ and his environmental efforts at Santiniketan.

    About Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)

    • The IGNCA, New Delhi is a premier government-funded arts organisation in India.
    • It is an autonomous institute under the Union Ministry of Culture.
    • It was established on 19 November 1985 by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
    • IGNCA is envisioned as a centre for the study and experience of arts in the field of:
    1. Creative literature – written and oral;
    2. Visual arts inclusive of architecture;
    3. Sculpture, painting and graphics to general material culture, photography and film; and
    4. Performing arts of music, dance and theatre.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s Indian Renaissance and the emergence of national identity.

    [2021] Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School, later known as Bethune Female School?​

    (a) Annie Besant

    (b) Debendranath Tagore

    (c) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

    (d) Sarojini Naidu

  • AI Content Detectors to Combat Deepfakes

    Why in the News?

    During the General Elections 2024, the proliferation of AI-generated content (AIGC), including deepfake videos featuring prominent figures like Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh, raised concerns about misinformation.

    What is Deepfake Technology?

    • It is a type of Artificial Intelligence used to create convincing images, audio and video hoaxes. Deepfakes often transform existing source content where one person is swapped for another.
    • Creating such content involves a technique known as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), comprising Artificial Neural Networks.

    Legal Safeguards in India:

    • The regulations under the IT Act of 2000 and 2021 requires social media intermediaries to promptly remove deepfake content. Failure to do so may result in imprisonment or fines.
      • Section 66D: It penalizes individuals for cheating through personation using communication devices or computer resources. (Imprisonment for up to 3 yrs and a fine of up to 1 lakh rupees)
      • Rule 3(1)(b)(vii): This rule mandates that social media intermediaries prevent the hosting of content impersonating others.
      • Rule 3(2)(b): This rule requires social media platforms to remove such content within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.

    Significance of Deepfake Technology:

    • Promotes Right to Expression: Deepfakes amplify voices of marginalised individuals, enabling them to share important messages. Recently, a video was created to deliver the final message of a journalist killed by the Saudi government, calling for justice.
    • Can contribute to the Education System: Online educators use deepfakes to bring historical figures to life for engaging lessons. For example, a video of Abraham Lincoln delivering his Gettysburg.
    • Provides Autonomy: Deepfakes empower individuals to control their digital identity and explore new forms of self-expression. For instance, the Reface App.
    • Provides a realistic experience: Artists leverage deepfakes for creative expression and collaboration, as seen in Salvador Dali’s interactive museum promotion. Deepfake tech enables realistic lip-syncing for actors speaking different languages, enhancing global accessibility and immersion in films.
    • Renovating old memories: Deepfakes aid in restoring old photos, enhancing low-quality footage, and creating realistic training materials for public safety.

    What are the limitations of Deepfake Technology?

    • Spreading False Information: Deepfakes can purposefully spread misinformation, influencing public opinion or elections, like the videos of politicians/celebrities can manipulate viewers and create confusion about important issues.
    • Frauds: Deepfake technology enables impersonation for financial frauds, tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information. They can also fuel harassment, especially targeting women, and lead to psychological distress.
    • Accuracy: While no AI detector guarantees 100% accuracy, tools like Originality.ai boast a 99% true positive rate. Detection models report probability scores, allowing for nuanced assessments despite inherent uncertainties.

    Future Scope:

    • Adversarial AI: Keeping pace with evolving generative AI models poses a significant challenge for content detectors.
    • Accessibility and Cost: With increased adoption and advancements, the accessibility and affordability of detection tools are expected to improve.

    PYQ:

    With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)

    1.       Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units

    2.       Create meaningful short stories and songs

    3.       Disease diagnosis

    4.       Text-to-Speech Conversion

    5.       Wireless transmission of electrical energy

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • GPT-4o: A Free AI Model with Vision, Text, and Voice

    Why in the News?

    • OpenAI has launched GPT-4o- a version of the GPT-4 model which powers its ChatGPT.
    • It offers enhanced speed, intelligence, and efficiency across text, vision, and audio, revolutionizing human-to-machine interaction and opening up new possibilities for users worldwide.

    About GPT-4o:

    • GPT-4o offers GPT- 4 level intelligence with improved speed and efficiency, making human-to-machine interaction more natural and seamless.(focuses on emotional aspects)
    • It integrates transcription, intelligence, and text-to-speech functionalities seamlessly, eliminating latency and enhancing voice mode capabilities.

    Features of GPT-4o

    • Free Access for All: Previously available only to paid users, GPT-4o now provides advanced tools to all users, unlocking over a million GPTs from the GPT store and expanding possibilities for developers.
    • Multilingual and Vision Capabilities: GPT-4o supports over 50 languages and includes vision capabilities, enabling users to upload photos, documents, and access real-time information during conversations.
    • Real-time Conversations: It is able to understand user emotions and provide emotive styles of conversation in real-time.
    • Vision and Coding Support: GPT-4o can solve complex math problems, assist with coding queries, interpret complex charts, and analyze facial expressions in real-time.
    • Translation and Efficiency: GPT-4o offers live real-time translation capabilities and is two times faster, 50% cheaper, and offers 5 times higher rate limits compared to GPT-4 Turbo.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?

    1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
    2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
    3. Disease diagnosis
    4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
    5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • Preserving Rajasthan’s Semal Trees 

    Why in the News?

    Despite its ecological importance, rampant harvesting of Semal Trees for bonfires poses a grave threat to their existence, undermining biodiversity and cultural heritage alike.

    About Semal/ Silk Cotton Trees

    • The Semal tree, scientifically known as Bombax ceiba, is a deciduous tropical tree.
    • It is native to India, South-East Asia, and Northern Australia.
    • It can grow up to 60 meters tall. It has a distinctive straight trunk, often with spiky thorns, and a wide, spreading canopy.
    • It produces vivid red flowers that are large and attractive, making it quite conspicuous when in bloom.
    • The fruit of the Semal tree is a capsule that contains several seeds surrounded by a fibrous, cotton-like substance which is wind-dispersed.

    Commercial Uses

    • The fibers extracted from the fruit, known as kapok, are used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, and life jackets due to their buoyancy and insulating properties.
    • The wood is soft and is often used for making paper, while in rural areas, it is used as fuelwood and for making cheap furniture.

    Ecological Significance

    • Members of tribal communities consume the tree’s reddish root for food during the monsoons.
    • Larvae of the moth Bucculatrix crateracma feed on its leaves.
    • The golden-crowned sparrow weaves the lining of its nests with white cotton from its seeds.

    Felling of a Semal Tree: Which laws are violated?

    1. Rajasthan Forest Act 1953: This act prohibits various activities in reserved forests without prior permission. Specifically, it bars any unauthorized person from felling, uprooting, damaging, or otherwise harming trees. Violating these prohibitions can lead to penalties including imprisonment, fines, or both, depending on the severity of the offence. Semal tree is not recorded in the state’s list of ‘rare, threatened, and endangered’ species. (Trees on this list enjoy priority conservation efforts.) (Indian Kanoon)​
    2. Forest (Conservation) Act 1980: This act is more comprehensive at the national level and was enacted to provide for the conservation of forests and to regulate deforestation. It requires that any non-forest use of forest land must have prior approval from the Central Government. This includes clearances for felling trees, which are only granted under specific conditions that ensure the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources.​ (UNEPLawEnvAssistantPlat)​

    PYQ:

    [2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

    (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest

    (b) Tropical rainforest

    (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest

    (d) Temperate forest with grasslands

  • India, Iran sign 10-year contract for Chabahar Port Operation

    Why in the news?

    • India and Iran signed a 10-year agreement for the operation of the Chabahar port, marking a significant milestone in their cooperation.

    Back2Basics: Chabahar Port

    • The port is located in southeastern Iran in the Sistan-Baluchistan province, on the Gulf of Oman and at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.
    • It is called the “Golden Gate” to Central Asian land-locked countries of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
    • It serves as Iran’s only oceanic port and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
    • It is only about 170 km west of the Gwadar port if Pakistan.
      • The development of Chabahar port was initiated by India with a MoU in 2015 and executed in 2016 during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran.

    About the Agreement

    The contract, signed between Indian Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) and Port and Maritime Organisation (PMO) of Iran, involves substantial investment and development initiatives.

    • IPGL will invest approximately $120 million in equipping the Shahid-Behesti terminal, enhancing the port’s efficiency and capacity.
    • India has extended a credit window of $250 million for mutually identified projects aimed at improving Chabahar-related infrastructure, emphasizing its commitment to regional development.

    Strategic Importance of Chabahar Port to India

    • Chabahar port will boost India’s access to Iran, the key gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor that has sea, rail and road routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.
    • Chabahar port will be beneficial to India in countering Chinese presence in the Arabian Sea which China is trying to ensure by helping Pakistan develop the Gwadar port.
    • India can bypass Pakistan in transporting goods to Afghanistan.

    Economic Significance

    • Chabahar Port is at an important point on the Arabian Sea, with easy access from India’s west coast.
    • Kandla port in Gujarat is the closest port at 550 nautical miles, while the distance between Chabahar and Mumbai is 786 nautical miles.
    • Since 2019, the port has handled more than 80,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of container traffic and more than 8 million tonnes of bulk and general cargo.
    • The port also offers an alternative route from the Strait of Hormuz for cargo traffic between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan.

    PYQ:

    [2017] What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?

    (a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.

    (b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.

    (c) India will not depend on Pakistan to access Afghanistan and Central Asia.

    (d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the gas pipeline installation between Iraq and India.

  • [pib] Exercise Shakti

    Why in the news?

    The 7th edition of the India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI begins at Umroi, Meghalaya, signalling the start of a biennial training event aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation.

    About Exercise Shakti

    • Shakti Exercise is a joint military exercise between the armies of India and France.
    • It is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France
    • It started in 2011, and since then, the armies of both countries have undertaken it to promote defence cooperation and interoperability.
    • Objectives:
    1. To bolster joint military capabilities for multi-domain operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.
    2. To operate in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, focusing on achieving a high degree of physical fitness and refining tactical drills.

    Major Defence Exercise between India and France:

    • Garuda: It is the joint air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force.
    • Varuna: It is the joint naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
    • Desert Knight-21: It was a bilateral air exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force at Air Force Station Jodhpur from January 20-24, 2021. It was unique as it involved the fielding of Rafale aircraft by both sides.
    • FRINJEX: It was the maiden joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the French Army conducted at Pangode Military Station, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on March 7-8, 2023.

     

    Tap to read more about:

    Various Defence Exercises in News