1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launches the “Prahari app” of the Border Security Force
Tags: National Defence Science and Technology
The Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched the Mobile App ‘Prahari’ of the Border Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi on 29 December 2022. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Director General of BSF Pankaj Kumar Singh were amongst those dignitaries present on the occasion.
Usefulness of the Prahari’ app
Amit Shah said that the BSF ‘Prahari’ app is a great example of Proactive Governance. “Now jawans can get personal information and information related to accommodation, Ayushmann-CAPF and leaves on their mobiles. Be it GPF, Bio Data or grievance redressal on “Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System” (CP-GRAMS) or information on various welfare schemes, now Jawans can get all this information through the app and this app will also connect them with the portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs.”
The Union Home Minister also said that a “BSF Drone/UAV and Cyber Forensic Lab” has been set up in Noida, Uttar Pradesh through which captured drones of Pakistan have been thoroughly mapped for their linkages and locations across the border. These drones are used to bring narcotics and arms and ammunition to spread terrorism in India.
The Border Security Force was raised on 1 December 1965 after the India-Pakistan war of 1965. It is a border force which is deployed along the International border with Bangladesh and Pakistan.
BSF is also known as the nation’s ’first line of defence'. It comes under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
2. Indian Army inaugurates first ever two-storey 3-D printed dwelling unit in Ahmedabad
Tags: Defence Science and Technology National News
The Indian Army inaugurated its first 3-D Printed House Dwelling Unit (with Ground plus One configuration) for soldiers at Ahmedabad Cantt on 28 December 2022.
Important facts
The dwelling unit has been constructed by Military Engineering Services (MES) in association with MiCoB Pvt Ltd, incorporating the latest 3D Rapid Construction Technology.
The 71 sqm dwelling unit with garage space was completed in just 12 weeks using 3D printed foundations, walls and slabs.
The disaster-resistant structures comply with Zone-III earthquake specifications and green building norms.
The formation is a testimony to the commitment of the Indian Army in promoting the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'.
About Technology
This technique uses a solid 3D printer that accepts computerized three-dimensional designs.
It builds up a 3-D structure in a layer-by-layer manner by extruding a specially designed special type of concrete.
The Ahmedabad-based Golden Katar Division of the Indian Army has been instrumental in taking forward the project with manifold applications in operation.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing uses computer aided design (CAD) to create three-dimensional objects through the layering method.
The model to be printed with the help of software is first developed by the computer, which then instructs the 3D printer.
3. India, Japan to conduct first-ever air combat exercise ‘Veer Guardian 23'
Tags: Defence
India and Japan will conduct their first bilateral combat air exercise 'Veer Guardian 23' for 10 days in Japan in January 2023.
Important facts
The exercise will be conducted from January 16 to January 26. The exercise will be conducted at Hyakuri Air Base north-west of Tokyo.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will conduct bilateral combat training with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The aim of the exercise is to promote mutual understanding and strengthen defence cooperation between the Air Forces.
The IAF will field its Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft from a squadron under the Western Air Command.
150 IAF crew will fly in IAF's C-17 transport aircraft.
On their journey from India to Japan, the fighter jets will be refuelled mid-air using IL-78 aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
Japan will deploy its F-2 jets which are derivatives of America's F-16 aircraft.
It will also launch the F-15, which is also used by America.
Other defence exercises between India and Japan
JIMEX (naval),
SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force)
Dharma Guardian (Army)
Milan Exercise (Indian Navy)
Malabar exercise (Naval Exercise) - USA, Japan and Australia
4. Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) Organises Two-Day Seminar on The Theme of “Civil Military Integration: The Way Forward”
Tags: Defence
Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), an independent New Delhi based think tank, is conducting a two-day Seminar on the theme of “Civil Military Integration: The Way Forward”, at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt.
Important facts
The seminar began with a discussion on the role of the military and bureaucracy in adopting a whole nation approach to deal with security challenges.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defense Staff and General Manoj Pandey, Chief of Army Staff addressed the gathering at the commencement of the proceedings.
During his address, the CDS highlighted the important role played by the Armed Forces as part of the 'whole of government' approach towards national security.
He stressed that all defence initiatives should be aligned to derive mutual benefits from government schemes like Atmanirbharta, Vibrant Border Villages, Gati Shakti, National Logistics Policy to achieve higher defence preparedness.
5. Govt clears 120 Pralay ballistic missiles for armed forces, to be deployed along China, Pakistan border
Tags: Defence
The Union Defence ministry has approved a proposal on 25 December 2022 to buy around 120 Pralay ballistic missiles to be deployed along the China Pakistan borders. The missile will be inducted first in the Indian Air Force and then in the Indian Army.
Pralay ballistic missiles is a canisterised tactical, surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for battlefield use.
Pralay missile will replace the liquid fuelled Prithvi-1 missile which is in use by the Indian Army. Prithvi-1 has a range of 150 Km with a payload of 1 tonnes of warhead. Liquid fueled rockets are more accurate but are expensive and prone to weather conditions affecting its performances.
The Pralay ballistic missile is an improvement over the Prithvi -1 missile. The missiles have a range of 150 to 500 kms. It is a solid fuelled rocket that follows a quasi- ballistic trajectory and can perform mid-air maneuver to defeat anti-ballistic interceptors.
Pralay is a tactical missile which can hit military targets in China and Pakistan and has a better capability in the high altitude areas.
DRDO chairman: Samir Kamat
6. India, Japan to conduct 1st bilateral air combat exercise in January 2023
Tags: place in news Defence
India and Japan will conduct their first Air exercise from 16 January to 26 January 2023 at the Hyakuri Air Base and at the Iruma Air Base in Sayama Japan.
The decision to conduct bilateral air exercise was taken during defence minister Rajnath Singh meeting with the Japanese Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada held in Tokyo, Japan on 8 September 2022.
According to the information, around 150 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel will take part in the exercise along with the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF). The aim of the combat exercise is to strengthen defence cooperation between the forces, enhance tactical skills and promote mutual understanding.
India -Japan military exercise
At present both the countries conduct bilateral Naval and Army exercises.
The bilateral Army Dharma Guardian exercise was started in 2018. It was held in Belagavi, Karnataka in February 2022.
Naval Exercise
The Indian Navy has been conducting the Japan India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) with the Japan Maritime Self Defence every year since 2012. This year it was held from 11-17 September in the Bay of Bengal.
7. GRSE launches first ship Arnala of the ASW SWC vessels Project
Tags: Defence
In a boost to the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability, defence shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata launched ‘Arnala’ in the Bay of Bengal on 20 December 2022 at M/s L&T, Kattupalli, Chennai.
In order to strengthen its ASW(Anti-Submarine Warfare ) capability in the shallow water the Union Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with Cochin Shipyards limited (CSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata in 2019 to build 16 ASW SWC (Shallow Water Craft).
Each company is developing 8 vessels each.
These ships will replace Abhay class ASW Ships of the Indian Navy and are designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) including subsurface surveillance in littoral waters. The 77.6m ASW SWC ships have a displacement of 900 tons with a maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of 1800 NM.
The ASW SWC ships will have over 80% indigenous content, ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units.
Defence Shipyards
There are 4 main shipyards in India which are engaged in the construction of many types of ships and vessels for the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard. The Shipyards which are under the Union Ministry of Defence are as follows;
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Kolkata
- Goa Shipyard Limited: Goa Shipyard Limited, Goa
- Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam
8. Bandhan Bank to be a service center for Defence ministry SPARSH pension system
Tags: Defence
The Defence Accounts Department of the Union Ministry of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bandhan Bank to onboard them as Service Centers under the System for Pension Administration (Raksha) (SPARSH) initiative.
A statement by the Bandhan bank said that under the MoU, Bandhan Bank will provide services to the defence pensioners and their families through its 557 branches.
The service to the defence personnel will be provided under the System for Pension Administration Raksha (SPARSH).
System for Pension Administration (SPARSH)
SPARSH is a web-based system for processing the pension claims and crediting the pension directly into the bank accounts of defence pensioners without any external intermediary.
This system is administered by the Defence Accounts Department through the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Prayagraj and caters to all the three Services and allied organizations.
Bandhan Bank
The Bandhan Bank started as an NGO and later it was converted into an NBFC -MFI (Micro Financial institution).
It was converted into a private sector bank in 2015.
The Bank’s Headquarters: Kolkata
MD and CEO: Chandra Shekhar Ghosh
Tagline: Aapka Bhala. Sabki Bhalai
9. Fifth Scorpene Submarine ‘Vagir’ delivered to Indian Navy
Tags: Defence National News
The fifth submarine of the Project -75, Kalvari Class submarines, Yard 11879 (Vagir) was delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 December.
Important facts
Project -75 includes indigenous construction of six submarines of Scorpene design.
These submarines are being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) Mumbai, under collaboration with M/s Naval Group, France.
Launched on 12 Nov 20, Vagir commenced sea trials from 1 Feb 2022 and has completed all major trials, including weapon and sensor trials, in less time than earlier submarines.
The construction of these submarines in an Indian yard is another step towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and instills confidence in the region.
What is also a remarkable achievement is that this is the third submarine delivered to the Indian Navy in a span of 24 months.
Project- 75
Project- 75 intends to build six diesel-electric attack submarines of the Kalvari class that are based on the Scorpene-class, which are being built at MDL (Mazagon Dock Limited).
Project 75 (I), approved in 2007, is part of the Indian Navy’s 30 year Plan for indigenous submarine construction.
10. Major General Mohit Seth takes over as GoC Kilo Force
Tags: Defence Person in news
Major General Mohit Seth took over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Counter Insurgency Force Kilo on 20 December.
Important facts
Major General Sanjiv Singh Slaria on relinquishing the command, moves to Headquarter Northern Command, Udhampur.
Major General Sanjiv Singh Slaria’s tenure saw the Kilo Force take distinctive steps towards peace and stability in North Kashmir.
In December 1991 the General Officer was commissioned in the 3 Madras Regiment.
An alumnus of the National Defense Academy, the General Officer attended the prestigious NDC at New Delhi.
In his distinguished military career spanning over three decades, the General Officer has held various prestigious staff and command appointments in J&K, North East and Army Headquarters.
He has also served as the Indian Army Liaison Officer, High Commission of India, United Kingdom.
