1. Indian Heritage

CENTENARY YEAR CELEBRATIONS OF KAIVALYADHAMA

About Kaivalyadhama Founded by Swami Kuvalayananda in 1924, Kaivalyadhama has pioneered wellbeing, education and research in the field of Yoga, for the last 100 years. Our 180-acre campus in Lonavala, Maharashtra, houses a state-of-the-art research facility, the world’s first Yoga college, a healthcare centre and a CBSE school, amongst other things. Our ethos lies in its diligent pursuit of synergising yogic tradition and science, for making yoga relevant and accessible to all, through its 16 locations worldwide. Kaivalyadhama’s centenary year celebrations and initiatives are aimed at furthering Swami Kuvalyananda’s vision of ‘Yoga for all’. Through our centennial programs, we at Kaivalyadhama aspire to make a difference by bringing about mindfulness and laying a strong foundation of wellbeing for the next century and more – towards healthy and happy people, societies, and nations.

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a national conference on ‘Integration of Yoga in School Education System-Manifesting the thought’, organized by Kaivalyadhama as part of its centenary year celebrations at Lonavala, Maharashtra today (November 29, 2023).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that yoga is the invaluable gift of India to the world community. Since 2015, Yoga Day has been celebrated every year in most of the countries of the world. She highlighted that in its resolution, the United Nations General Assembly had observed that the practice of yoga provides a holistic approach to health and well-being and is beneficial for the health of the entire world community. She stated that in the National Education Policy 2020, Indian knowledge tradition has been given a significant place with the aim to help yoga benefits reach the children and our young generation.

• Culture

• Modern Indian history

• The Freedom Struggle

 

• Post-independence

• Indian Society

A. population and associated issues

B. poverty and developmental issues

C.urbanization

   7. Geographical features

8.Indian Constitution

9. Polity

 

 

10. Governance

A. institutions

Cabinet approves Terms of Reference for the Sixteenth Finance Commission

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Terms of Reference for the Sixteenth Finance Commission.

The Terms of Reference for the Sixteenth Finance Commission will be notified in due course of time. The 16th Finance Commission’s recommendations, upon the acceptance by the government, would cover the period of five (5) years commencing April 1, 2026.

Article 280(1) of the Constitutions lays down that the modalities for setting up of a Finance Commission to make recommendation on the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States, allocation between the States of respective shares of such proceeds; grants- in-aid and the revenues of the States and measures needed to supplement the resources of the Panchayats during the award period. 

The Fifteenth Finance Commission was constituted on November 27, 2017. It made recommendations covering the period of six years commencing on 1st April, 2020 through its Interim and Final Reports. The recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission are valid upto the financial year 2025-26.

Terms of Reference for the Sixteenth Finance Commission:

The Finance Commission shall make recommendations as to the following matters, namely:

1. The distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or may be, divided between them under Chapter I, Part XII of the Constitution and the allocation between the States of the respective shares of such proceeds;
2. The principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India and the sums to be paid to the States by way of grants-in-aid of their revenues under article 275 of the Constitution for the purposes other than those specified in the provisos to clause (1) of that article; and
3. The measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats and Municipalities in the State on the basis of the recommendations made by the Finance Commission of the State.

The Commission may review the present arrangements on financing Disaster Management initiatives, with reference to the funds constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (53 of 2005), and make appropriate recommendations thereon.

The Commission shall make its report available by 31st day of October, 2025 covering a period of five years commencing on the 1st day of April, 2026.

Background:

The Fifteenth Finance Commission (the 15th FC) was constituted on 27.11.2017 for making recommendations for a five-year period of 2020-21 to 2024-25. On 29.11.2019, the ToR of the 15th FC was amended requiring the Commission to submit two reports, namely a first report for financial year 2020-21 and a final report for an extended period of 2021-22 to 2025-26. As a result, the 15th FC made its recommendations for a six-year period from 2020-21 to 2025-26.

The Finance Commission normally takes about two years to make their recommendations. As per the clause (1) of article 280 of the Constitution, the Finance Commission is to be constituted every fifth year or earlier. However, as the recommendations of the 15th FC cover the six-year period up to 31st March 2026, the 16th FC is proposed to be constituted now. This will enable the Finance Commission to consider and appraise the finances of the Union and the States for the period immediately, preceding the period of its recommendations. In this context, it is pertinent to mention that there are precedents where the Eleventh Finance Commission was constituted six years after the Tenth Finance Commission. Similarly, the Fourteenth Finance Commission was constituted five years and two months after the Thirteenth Finance Commission.

The Advance Cell of the 16th FC was formed in Ministry of Finance on 21.11.2022, to oversee preliminary work, pending formal constitution of the Commission.

Thereafter, a Working Group headed by Finance Secretary and Secretary (Expenditure) and comprising of Secretary (Economic Affairs), Secretary (Revenue), Secretary (Financial Services), Chief Economic Adviser, Adviser, NITI Aayog and Additional Secretary (Budget) was set up to assist in formulation of the Terms of Reference (ToRs). As part of the consultative process, views and suggestions were sought from the State Governments and the Union Territories (with legislature) on the ToRs, and were duly deliberated by the Group.

B. regulatory

Cabinet approves continuation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts for further three years

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs) as, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) from 01.04.2023 to 31.03.2026 with financial implication of Rs. 1952.23 crore (Rs. 1207.24 crore as Central Share and Rs. 744.99 crore as State share). Central Share is to be funded from Nirbhaya Fund. The Scheme was launched on 02.10.2019.

The government’s unwavering priority towards ensuring the safety and security of women and children is evident through several initiatives, such as the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ programme.  Incidents involving the rape of girl child and women have deeply impacted the nation. The frequency of such incidents and the prolonged trials of offenders necessitated the establishment of a dedicated court system capable of expediting trials and delivering immediate relief to victims of sexual offenses. Consequently, the Central Government enacted the “The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act. 2018,” which included stringent punishment, including the death penalty for rape offenders, leading to the creation of the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs).

FTSCs, designed as dedicated courts, are expected to ensure swift dispensation of justice, offering quick relief to victims while strengthening the deterrence framework for sexual offenders. 

The Union of India formulated a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to establish FTSCs for the timely disposal of cases related to rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) in August 2019. Following the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in suo moto Writ Petition (Criminal) No.1/2019 dated 25.07.2019, the scheme mandated the establishment of exclusive POCSO Courts for districts with over 100 POCSO Act cases. Initially commenced in October 2019 for one year, the scheme was extended for an additional two years until 31.03.2023. Now, it has been further extended until 31.03.2026, with a financial outlay of Rs. 1952.23 crore, with the Central Share funded from the Nirbhaya Fund.

Implemented by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice, the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of FTSCs augments State Government resources for establishing FTSCs across the country, ensuring the swift disposal of cases related to rape and the POCSO Act.

Thirty States/Union Territories have participated in the Scheme, operationalizing 761 FTSCs, including 414 exclusive POCSO Courts, which have resolved over 1,95,000 cases. These courts support State/UT Government efforts to provide timely justice to victims of sexual offenses. even in remote and far-flung areas.

The expected outcomes of the scheme are:

• Reflect the nation’s commitment to ending sexual and gender-based violence.
• Substantially reduce pending cases of Rape & POCSO Act, relieving the burden on the judicial system.
• Ensure swift access to justice for victims of sexual crimes through improved facilities and expedited trials.
• Lessen the burden of cases to a manageable number.
• Central Consumer Protection Authority issues Safety Notice under Consumer Protection Act, 2019 alerting consumers against purchase of acid on e-commerce platforms

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), headed by Chief Commissioner, Mrs. Nidhi Khare, has issued Safety Notice under Section 18(2)(j) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (‘the Act’) to alert consumers against purchase of acid on e-commerce platforms.

CCPA, being the watchdog of consumer interest in India, has come across the sale of highly corrosive acids on e-commerce platforms. Availability of hazardous acids in such a freewheeling and easily accessible manner can be dangerous and unsafe for consumers and to public at large.

Consumer safety is among the preambular objectives of the Act. ‘Consumer rights’ as defined under Section 2(9) of the Act, include the right to be protected against the marketing of goods, products or services which are hazardous to life and property and the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods, products or services, as the case may be, so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.

It may be mentioned that the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the case of Laxmi vs. Union of India [W.P. (Crl.) No. 129 of 2006], has issued directions which are required to be complied, with respect to sale of acid and other corrosive substances. Pursuant to the directions, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued guidelines dated 30^th August, 2013 to all States/UTs on ‘Measures to be taken to prevent acid attacks on people and for treatment and rehabilitation of survivors’ which inter alia notes the following actions to regulate the sale of acid  –

1. Banning over the counter sale of acid/corrosives unless the seller maintains a logbook/register recording the sale of acid which will contain the details of the person(s) to whom acid(s) is/are sold and the quantity sold. The log/register shall also contain the address of the person to whom it is sold.
2. A sale will be made only when the buyer produces a photo ID issued by the Government which also has the address of the person and proves that he/she is above 18 years of age.
3. The logbook/register should also specify the reason/purpose for procuring acid.
4. All stocks of acid must be declared by the seller with the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) within 15 days and in case of undeclared stock of acid, it will be open to the concerned SDM to confiscate the stock and suitably impose a fine on such seller up to Rs. 50,000/-
5. The concerned SDM may impose a fine up to Rs.50,000/- on any person who commits breach of any of the above directions. Educational institutions, research laboratories, hospitals, Government Departments and the departments of Public Sector Undertakings, who are required to keep and store acid/corrosive shall maintain a register of usage of acid and the same shall be filed with the concerned SDM.
6. A person shall be made accountable for the possession and safe keeping of acid in their premises. The acid shall be stored under the supervision of this person and there shall be compulsory checking of the students/ personnel leaving the laboratories/place of storage where acid is used.

It has been observed that neither there is any requirement to produce Photo ID issued by the Government, nor there is any manner in which the purpose of buying the acid is recorded by the e-commerce platforms before placing an order. Further, there is no actual mechanism by which age verification of the buyer takes place before placing the order. Enabling the purchase of acid in such manner on the e-commerce platform is a clear violation to directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the MHA Advisory.

As a result of this, the sale of corrosive acid is enabled by a mere click of a button. Such unverified manner of purchase can cause consumers and public at large to be left vulnerable, unprotected and unsafe, given that the product is capable of causing severe dermal corrosion.

As per Section 4 (3) of Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, no e-commerce entity shall adopt any unfair trade practice, whether in the course of business on its platform or otherwise

Taking in view the safety of consumers and public at large from such unregulated manner of sale, CCPA has issued Safety Notice urging all e-commerce platforms to immediately incorporate appropriate mechanism to ensure that acid is not purchased on their platforms in violation to the mandatory requirements of the rules notified by the respective State Governments and in case of absence of the same, compliance may be made of the guidelines issued by MHA on 30^th August, 2013. Such measures may include :-

1. 1. Before onboarding a seller which sells acid, take a separate undertaking from such seller on proper compliance to each of the mandatory condition regulating sale of such acid.
   2. Mandate the requirement to upload a Photo ID issued by the Government, to ensure that acid is not purchased by any individual below the age of 18 years on the e-commerce platform.
   3. Include a section during the purchase process where the buyer must provide specific reason/purpose to procure the acid

The Safety Notice cautions all consumers against purchasing acid on e-commerce platforms without adhering to the mandatory requirements for sale of the same noted above

C. Government policies

D. role of NGOs

E. measures

11. Social Justice

A. Welfare schemes

Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) with total outlay of Rs.24,104 crore (Central Share:Rs.15,336 crore and State Share: Rs.8,768 crore) to focus on 11 critical interventions through 9 line Ministries.  The Prime Minister announced the Abhiyan on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas from Khunti.

As announced in the Budget Speech 2023-24, “to improve socio-economic conditions of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Pradhan Mantri PVTG of Development Mission will be launched.  This will saturate PVTG households and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.  An amount of Rs.15,000 crore will be made available to implement the Mission in the next three years under the Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Tribes (DAPST).”

India has ST population of 10.45 crore as per 2011 census, out of which 75 communities located in 18 States and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been categorized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).  These PVTGs continue to face vulnerability in social, economic and educational fields.

pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana was launched from April, 2020, which is also operating at present. Under this, 05 kg food grains are provided per unit to Antyodaya/eligible household beneficiaries. The said scheme will continue till September 2022.

A. Eligibility conditions under Antyodaya Yojana applicable-
1- Don’t have your own land.
2- Do not have a pucca house.
3-Buffalo/bull/tractor trolley.
4- Do not have any fixed occupation.
5- There should be no poultry/cow rearing etc.
There should not be any business of financial assistance or financial assistance is not received by the government.
7-No electrical connection.

It is clear from the above that only the poorest of the Gram Panchayat will be eligible for Antyodaya ration cards.

B. Conditions of ineligibility under the eligible household scheme-
1- Such families in which any one member is income tax payer or the combined annual income of all the family members in urban areas is Rs.03 lakh and in rural areas the combined annual income of all the family members is Rs.02 lakh.
2- The family should have a four wheeler or tractor.
3-AC should be installed, which have generator of 05 kVA or more capacity.
4-Have arms license.
5- Residential flat of more than 100 sqm in urban area or commercial space of 80 sqm or more carpet area and more than five acres of irrigated land in rural area.

Cabinet approves Central Sector Scheme for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved Central Sector Scheme for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26.

The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose.

Aligning to the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the scheme seeks to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and bringing new technologies through drone services in agriculture sector.

The highlights of this scheme are as under:

1. The scheme approves holistic interventions by converging the resources and efforts of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Department of Rural development (DoRD) and Department of Fertilizers (DoF), Women SHGs and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs).
2. Appropriate clusters where usage of Drones is economically feasible will e identified and progressive 15,000 women SHGs in various States in the identified clusters will be selected for providing drones.
3. Central Financial Assistance @ 80% of the cost of drone and accessories/ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs. Eight Lakh will be provided to the women SHGs for purchase of drones.  The Cluster Level Federation (CLFs) of SHGs may raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement minus subsidy) as loan under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF).  Interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan will be provided.
4. One of the members of the women SHGs who is well qualified, 18 and above years of age will be elected by the SRLM and LFCs for 15 day training comprising of 5 day mandatory drone pilot training and additional 10 day training for agriculture purpose of nutrient and pesticide application.  The other member / family member of the SHG with inclination to take up repairs of electrical goods, fitting and mechanical works will be selected by the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) and LFCs who will be trained as drone technician/assistant.  These training shall be provided as a package along with the supply of drones.
5. Considering the difficulties which SHGs may face in procuring the drones, repair and maintenance of drones through drone companies, the LFCs will act as a bridge between drone supplier companies and SHGs.
6. LFCs will also promote use of Nano Fertilizers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP by the drones with SHGs.  SHGs will rent out the drone services to the farmers for Nano fertilizer and also for pesticide applications.

B Health

Vice-President will inaugurate 5th Global Ayurveda Festival

The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar will visit Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on December 01, 2023.  

During his one -day tour to the state, Shri Dhankhar will  inaugurate 5^th Global Ayurveda Festival in the city.

C. Education

D. Human Resources

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Quarterly Bulletin for July – September 2023

Considering the importance of availability of labour force data at more frequent time intervals, National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) launched Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in April 2017.

The objective of PLFS is primarily twofold:

• To estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio, Labour Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate) in the short time interval of three months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS).
• To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ (ps+ss) and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually.

Nineteen Quarterly Bulletins starting from the quarter October – December 2018 up to the quarter April – June 2023 have already been released. In these quarterly bulletins estimates of labour force indicators, viz., Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), Unemployment Rate (UR), distribution of workers by broad status in employment and industry of working the Current Weekly Status (CWS) for urban areas have been presented.

The present Quarterly Bulletin is the twentieth in the series for the quarter July – September, 2023.

PLFS fieldwork during the quarter July – September 2023

The fieldwork for collection of information in respect of all the samples allotted for the period July-September, 2023, was completed timely for the first visit as well as revisit samples, except for 14 first visit and 25 revisit FSU[1]s in the State of Manipur and one first visit FSU in the State of Telangana which were treated as casualty.

Canvassing of revisit schedules is continued to be undertaken mostly in telephonic mode since June 2020. The information was collected over the telephone for about 96.2% of the revisit schedules during the period July-September, 2023.

These aspects may be kept in mind while using the estimates of PLFS for the concerned quarter.

Sample Design of PLFS

A rotational panel sampling design has been used in urban areas. In this rotational panel scheme, each selected household in urban areas is visited four times, in the beginning with ‘First Visit Schedule’ and thrice periodically later with a ‘Revisit Schedule’. The scheme of rotation ensures that 75% of the first-stage sampling units (FSUs) are matched between two consecutive visits.

Sample Size

At the all-India level, in the urban areas, a total number of 5,706 FSUs (UFS blocks) have been surveyed during the quarter July – September 2023. The number of urban households surveyed was 44,738 and number of persons surveyed was 1,70,004 in urban areas.

1. Conceptual Framework of Key Employment and Unemployment Indicators for the Quarterly Bulletin: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) gives estimates of Key employment and unemployment Indicators like the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), Unemployment Rate (UR), etc. These indicators, and ‘Current Weekly Status’ are defined as follows:

1. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): LFPR is defined as the percentage of persons in labour force (i.e. working or seeking or available for work) in the population.

2. Worker Population Ratio (WPR): WPR is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population.

3. Unemployment Rate (UR): UR is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force.

4. Current Weekly Status (CWS): The activity status determined on the basis of a reference period of last 7 days preceding the date of survey is known as the current weekly status (CWS) of the person.

E. poverty and hunger

12. International relations

A. India and its neighbourhood

B. groupings and agreements

C.Indian diaspora

13. Economic Development

A. Government Budgeting

B. industrial

India’s Bioeconomy recorded 12 times increase in last 10 years

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said here today that India’s Bioeconomy recorded 12 times increase in last 10 years.

Speaking after inaugurating the ‘National Plant Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Facility’ at National Institute of Plant Genome research (NIPGR) on the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Institute, the Minister said, India’s bioeconomy stood at just about $10 Billion, today it is $120 Billion. In just about ten years, it has gone up by 12 times and we look forward to having plus $300 Billion by 2030, he said.

This has been possible because of a favourable milieu provided at the policy planning level under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he added.

E.issues

14. Technology

NeGD organises State Capacity Building Workshop Under Digital India programme

State Capacity Building Workshops are being offered by National e-Governance Division, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology MeitY), under its Capacity Building Scheme in collaboration with their knowledge partners. The aim of these workshops is to demystify the potential of Emerging technologies in improving service delivery and how to shape the policies and strategies to accommodate new digital landscapes.

The fifth workshop in the series is being conducted in Haryana from 29^th – 30^th November 2023 with the participation of more than 27 officials from various departments of Haryana. The two-day intensive training is intended to familiarise the team working under the policy-making public officials to maintain continuity in the adoption and implementation of emerging technology initiatives in the State.

The workshop was inaugurated with officials from Citizen Resource Information Department (CRID), Haryana, NeGD and Wadhwani Institute of Technology & Policy (WITP).

The workshop is bringing together an array of subject matter experts from the industry and the government for interactive sessions on real-life case studies, demonstrations on tools and a vision for turning ideas into proof of concepts, pilots or projects.

Tripartite MoU paves way for Centre of excellence (Pilot) to foster the Geospatial Technology, Innovation and Solutions

ndia will soon have a Centre of excellence to foster the Geospatial Innovation & Research and to cater to emerging technology solution requirements of the Geospatial domain in the country.

A tripartite MoU was signed between National Geospatial Programme- DST, National Institute of Geo-informatics Science & Technology (NIGST), Survey of India, and IIT Tirupati Navishkār I-Hub Foundation on November 28, 2023, to establish this Centre of excellence- a Pilot.

The Geospatial Innovation & Research Centre of Excellence (CoE) as a pilot aims to cater for the emerging technology solution requirements of the Geospatial domain in the country. The centre would support and encourage innovative geospatial technology-based start-ups, industries, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) that have an application and impact in the core sectors of the economy.

Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST highlighted that this is perhaps the first step in the direction of implementing some aspects of the National Geospatial Policy. “After liberalising the Geospatial Guidelines and bringing in the Policy, we are in the process of reforming the Survey of India. There is a plan to set up a geospatial data exchange. Incubators will also be set up to work both on developing the geospatial technology as well as support startups that can focus on applications,” he added.

Professor Karandikar pointed out that geospatial data science is an emerging interdisciplinary field which includes geospatial engineering, computer science and information technology. He also added that setting up focused incubators and carrying out capacity building through dedicated CoE will translate to implementation of the recommendations of the geospatial data policy.

 

15. Environment

16. Security

Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel Sajag arrives at Muscat, Oman as part of overseas deployment to West Asia

he Indian Coast Guard Ship Sajag, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, arrived at Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat, Oman, on November 29, 2023, for a three-day visit as part of the overseas deployment of ICG ships to West Asia. The  visit aims to strengthen long-standing diplomatic ties, enhance maritime cooperation, and promote interoperability with the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (ROPCG) and other maritime agencies.

During the visit, a number of  activities and interactions are scheduled including professional interactions such as onboard training and lectures, Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), cross-deck visits, joint yoga sessions, planning conferences, and table-top exercises for Marine Pollution Response (MPR). There will be courtesy calls by the Commanding Officer on various dignitaries and government officials of Oman, including the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard.

Oman and India have historically maintained warm and friendly bilateral relations, sharing common values and diverse cultures. Regular interactions between ICG and ROPCG occur through annually conducted High-Level Meetings (HLM) and ICG ship visits, guided by the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The overseas deployment of ICG ships aligns with the organization’s plan to foster bilateral relationships and strengthen international cooperation with Foreign Friendly Countries (FFCs). During this West Asia deployment, the ship is also scheduled to make port calls in Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and Mina Rashid, UAE.

This visit would play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relationships with key maritime agencies, including the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (ROPCG), Saudi Border Guards and Naval Forces, and UAE Coast Guards & Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Authority (CICPA). These relationships, developed over the years, aim to ensure the safety, security, and cleanliness of the seas in the region while addressing contemporary maritime issues. Engagements with senior officials and personnel from these agencies during the visit will further enhance regional safety and security.

The visit of ICGS Sajag to West Asia underscores India’s ongoing efforts to foster friendly relations through maritime cooperation, aligning with the maritime vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, known as “SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region,” with due emphasis on the “Global South.”

About ICGS Sajag

ICGS Sajag is part of the Indian Coast Guard fleet of OPVs, based on the West Coast of India in Porbandar, Gujarat, and operates under the operational command of Commander Coast Guard Region (North West). The ship is equipped with modern weapon systems, sensors, state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, including an integral helicopter to support both surface and air operations. Sajag has undertaken various Coast Guard operations, including Coastal Security and IMBL / EEZ surveillance, anti-transnational crimes, and Maritime SAR and Pollution Response operations in the past.

Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS)

The Chief of Army Staff, Gen Manoj Pande addressed members of the Pune International Centre, Observer Research Foundation, Officers, Veterans and other distinguished guests on 27 November 2023 at Pune on the commemoration of 8th PDNS of Pune International Centre (PIC).

The Chief emphasised on inextricable link between the Nation’s progress & its security needs and stressed that while economic power is the fountainhead of growth, yet it is the ‘Military Strength’ that lends it the ability to effect the outcomes necessary to protect & further its multifarious interests while ensuring continuous increase in its ‘Comprehensive National Power’.

While deliberating upon the contours of the current & evolving geo-political landscape, the Chief of Army Staff elucidated on the need to ‘Expect the Unexpected’ as the battle space has become more complex, contested & lethal.

Gen Manoj Pande assured the audience that the Indian Army remains seized of the Military Implications of these dynamics.  A holistic approach that incorporates implementation of proactive measures towards all aspects that impact or enhance security have been adopted for capability enhancement and ensuring requisite adaptability.
The Chief elaborated upon the Indian Army’s vision to Transform into modern, agile, adaptive technology enabled and self reliant future ready force, capable to deter and win wars in a multi domain operational environment across the full spectrum of operations to protect our national interests in synergy with the other Services. Initiation of progressive changes based on four key drivers were highlighted.

(a)Unprecedented trends in the geo strategic landscape

(b)Limitless potential of Disruptive Technologies

(c)Transforming character of modern Wars

(d)Profound changes in the socio – economic domain

Capability Building: He said that as part of Force Restructuring and Optimization, the Indian Army is reviewing its organisational structures to include Rightsizing, Rationalising and Reorganising, while undertaking  Modernisation and Technology Infusion to include niche technologies including 5G, AI, Quantum Lab, Internet of Military Things, Robotics, Adaptive Manufacturing and Space Assets for Satellite Communication. He also reiterated that these Capability Development endeavours stand committed to the vision of Atmanirbharta.

INDIAN NAVY OPERATIONAL DEMONSTRATION 2023 AT SINDHUDURG

Indian Navy will display its operational prowess and capabilities through an ‘Operational Demonstration’ covering a spectrum of naval operations by the ships and aircraft at the iconic Sindhudurg Fort on the western seaboard of India on 04 December 2023. The event, hosted by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, will be witnessed from the Tarkarli beach by senior Centre and State government officials, military dignitaries and the local populace. The event aims to celebrate and glorify our rich maritime history and shed the colonial practices.

Built in the year 1660 by the Maratha Ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Sindhudurg Fort boasts of India’s rich maritime history and also meets the Navy’s requirement to conduct an operational demonstration with its frontline assets.

Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on 04th December to commemorate “Operation Trident” the Navy’s audacious attack on Karachi harbour during the 1971 War. The Op Demo is being organised to celebrate the valour and courage of the personnel and their resolve to achieve the impossible under adverse circumstances. The event will also showcase the Indian Navy’s state-of-the-art ships and aircraft to the general public and online viewers through a live telecast.    

The event will witness participation of 20 warships along with 40 aircraft comprising MiG 29K and LCA Navy as major attraction along with combat beach reconnaissance and assault demo by the Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy. The other major attractions include performance by the Naval Band, continuity drill and horn pipe dance by the SCC cadets. The event will culminate with illumination of ships at anchorage followed by laser show at Sindhudurg Fort.

This is the first time that the Indian Navy will be organising a mega event which is not taking place at any major naval station. The location of the Sindhudurg Fort is 550 km from Mumbai and about 135 km from naval station at Goa. All out efforts have been made by the Navy along with the State Government and local administration to showcase these events.

In a historic development, the Government of India and Government of Manipur signed a Peace Agreement with United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the oldest valley-based armed group of Manipur in New Delhi

In a historic development, the Government of India and Government of Manipur signed a Peace Agreement with United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the oldest valley-based armed group of Manipur in New Delhi today. The UNLF was formed in 1964 and has been operating both within and outside Indian Territory. The agreement is poised to give a fillip to usher in a new era of peace in the North East in general and Manipur in particular.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah has said that a historic milestone achieved. In his posts on ‘X’ Home Minister said that it is a landmark achievement in realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of all-inclusive development and providing a better future to the youths in Northeast India. Home Minister said that he welcome UNLF to the democratic processes and wish them all the best in their journey on the path of peace and progress.

As per the vision of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and under the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, the Government of India has signed agreements with several armed groups of the North East region since 2014 to end militancy and promote development.

While political settlements have been finalised with several ethnic armed groups of the North East as part of conflict resolution initiatives of Government of India, it is for the first time a valley-based Manipuri armed group has agreed to return to mainstream by abjuring violence and agreeing to honour the Constitution of India and laws of the land. The agreement will not only bring an end to hostilities between UNLF and security forces which have claimed precious lives on both sides over the last more than half a century but also provide an opportunity to address the longstanding concerns of the community. It is hoped that the return of UNLF to the mainstream will also encourage other valley-based armed groups to participate in the peace process in due course. A Peace Monitoring Committee (PMC) will be constituted to oversee enforcement of the agreed ground rules. The development is likely to be a significant step in restoring peace and normalcy in the State.

 

17. Disaster Management