1. Sarbananda Sonowal flags off maiden International Cruise Vessel, MV Empress in Chennai
Tags: International Relations Defence
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India's first international cruise vessel - MV Empress, from Chennai to Sri Lanka on June 5.
An overview of the news
This is the launch of the International Cruise Tourism Terminal at Chennai built at a cost of Rs 17.21 crore, ushering in a new era of cruise tourism and maritime trade in the country.
On the occasion of Environment Day, Sonowal along with the port officials also planted 2,500 saplings at the port.
The launch of the first cruise service between Chennai and Sri Lanka has opened a new chapter in the cruise tourism sector in the country.
This is the result of an MoU signed during the Incredible India International Cruise Summit in 2022 between Chennai Port and M/s Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd to start domestic and international cruise services.
International Cruise Vessel, MV Empress
It is a renowned and luxurious cruise ship that operates globally.
It offers passengers a unique and unforgettable experience on the open seas, combining comfort, entertainment, and leisure.
The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems and safety features, ensuring a secure and smooth journey for all on board.
Its elegant design and modern amenities make it a preferred choice for travelers seeking a premium cruising experience.
2. NATO Launches Arctic exercise
Tags: Defence International News
NATO countries have started military exercises in the Arctic region.
An Overview of the News
The exercise involves approximately 1,000 allied forces from Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States, along with NATO applicant Sweden.
Finland, NATO's newest member, is hosting its first joint training in the Arctic region since joining the Western alliance in April.
The exercise took place at Rovajärvi in northern Finland, near the Russian border, at one of Europe's largest artillery training grounds.
Oath to defend Finland:
NATO has pledged to protect its newest member, Finland.
The decision to join NATO was influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which raised tensions between Moscow and the West.
Participation and Scope of Practice:
About 6,500 Finnish soldiers and 1,000 vehicles are participating in the exercise.
The Arctic Challenge 2023 exercise also includes 150 aircraft from 14 NATO members and partner countries.
The objective of the exercise is to enhance military cooperation and preparedness in the Arctic region.
Joint training reinforces NATO's commitment to collective defence and regional security.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):
It is a military alliance between North American and European countries formed in 1949 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
It was created during the Cold War as a defense pact to prevent Soviet expansion and protect member states from possible aggression.
The founding members of NATO were the United States, Canada, and ten European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
NATO Secretary General- Jens Stoltenberg
About Finland
Finland is the 31st member of NATO.
Prime Minister- Sana Marin
Capital- Helsinki
Currency- Euro
3. Saudi naval cadet trains with Indian Navy for the first time
Tags: Defence International News
55 cadets of the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) underwent training with the Indian Navy for the first time.
An Overview of the News
The cadets have been attached to the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata, for afloat training.
The cadets were given simulator training before commencing sea training.
During sea flights, cadets received training in navigation, seamanship, anchoring, coastal navigation, replenishment at sea, sea boats, fire fighting and emergency drills.
The Chief of the Naval Staff was apprised of the ongoing training activities and progress of the trainees.
Navy Chief Admiral -R Hari Kumar
Indian Navy:
It is the maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces, responsible for protecting India's interests at sea.
The President of India holds the position of Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy, which vests ultimate authority and responsibility over naval operations.
The Navy is commanded by the Chief of Naval Staff, who is a four star Admiral.
Establishment - 26 January 1950
Headquarters -New Delhi
4. Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar Anand VSM takes over as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA)
Tags: Defence Person in news
Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar Anand, Vishisht Seva Medal took over as the Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA) on 1 June 2023.
An overview of the news
An alumnus of the National Defense Academy, the Air Marshal was commissioned as Air Marshal in the administrative branch of the Indian Air Force.
In a career spanning over 36 years, the Air Marshal has held various field and staff appointments.
Prior to his present appointment, he was the Director General (Administration) at Air Headquarters, New Delhi.
For his distinguished service, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India in January 2022.
Role of Air Officer-in-Charge Administration
Air Force Officer-in-Charge Administration is responsible for overseeing the administrative functions of the Indian Air Force.
It includes the management of human resources, logistics, infrastructure, welfare and other administrative aspects of the organization.
The AOA plays a critical role in driving modernization efforts and improving administrative efficiency within the Indian Air Force.
5. P Upadhyay INAS takes over as Director General of Naval Armament
Tags: Defence Person in news
P Upadhyay, INAS has taken over as Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA) from KSC Iyer, who superannuated on 31 May 23.
An overview of the news
P Upadhyay is an officer of the 1987 batch of Indian Naval Armament Service.
He joined the Naval Armament Organization of the Indian Navy on 12 July 1989.
An Electrical Engineering Graduate from SGSITS Indore, he earned his Post Graduate degrees from Devi Ahilya University in Electrical Engineering with specialization in 'Digital Techniques and Instrumentation' in 1988.
He is postgraduate in Mechanical Engineering from University of Pune with specialisation in 'Guided Missiles', in 1995.
In a span of 34 years, he has held various important assignments at NAD (Visakhapatnam), NAD (Karanja), NAD (Trombay), NAD (Alwaye).
He is an alumnus of Naval Defence College of NDC-53.
He is also adept at missile and torpedo maintenance apart from having expertise on ammunition disposal.
Naval Armament
The Naval Armament Directorate is responsible for the development, procurement, and maintenance of armament systems for the Indian Navy.
It plays a vital role in equipping the naval forces with advanced weaponry and supporting their operational readiness.
It plays a crucial role in promoting indigenous development and self-reliance in armament systems.
P. Upadhyay will contribute to the Indian Navy's "Make in India" initiative by supporting indigenous research, development, and production capabilities.
6. 'Sudarshan Shakti Exercise 2023'
Tags: Defence
The Sapta Shakti Command of the Indian Army conducted exercise 'Sudarshan Shakti 2023' along the western borders in Rajasthan and Punjab.
An Overview of the News:
- Aim:The exercise aimed at transforming the forces into a modern, lean and agile combat combination capable of taking advantage of new age technologies.
- Objective: It focused on validating operational plans in a network-centric environment, involving combat power, combat support and logistics support.
- Synergized Application: The exercise involved coordinated application of combat power, combat support and logistic support under all enemy threat zones including grey zone warfare.
- Force Multipliers and Niche Technologies: The exercise integrates force multipliers such as special forces and niche technologies, including drones, tethered drones, stray ammunition and electronic warfare.
- Objectives of the meeting: To facilitate the exercise to meet the stated objectives of the five pillars of transformation enunciated by COAS Gen Manoj Pandey in January 2023.
- Commitment to Preparedness: "Sudarshan Shakti 2023" highlighted the commitment of the South Western Command and its attached units to maintain a high level of operational preparedness and capability to fight technology-intensive future conflicts.
7. Successful completion of naval exercise ‘Al Mohed Al Hindi 23’
Tags: Defence
The sea phase of the second edition of the bilateral exercise 'Al Mohed Al Hindi- 2023' between the Indian Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) was conducted at Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia from 23-25 May 2023.
An Overview of the News:
- INS Tarkash, INS Subhadra and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) participated from the Indian side in the exercise.
- Whereas, the Royal Saudi Naval Force was represented by HMS Badr and Abdul Aziz, MH60R Helo and UAVs.
- The three-day exercise, conducted in the waters of the Arabian Sea, witnessed a wide range of maritime operations.
- The successful conduct of 'Al Mohed Al Hindi - 2023' showcased the high level of professionalism, interoperability and exchange of best practices between the two navies.
- The bilateral exercise has been successful in meeting all its set objectives.
INS Tarkash:
- It is a state-of-the-art stealth frigate belonging to the INS Talwar class commissioned on 9 November 2012.
- The ship is named from the Sanskrit word 'Tarkash', meaning "arrow quiver," symbolizing its versatility.
- INS Tarkash is equipped with advanced weapon-sensor technologies and has the capability to deal with all types of threats.
- The design of INS Tarkash incorporates stealth technologies and a special hull for low radar cross-section.
- In April 2023, INS Tarkash was used as part of ‘Operation Kaveri’ to evacuate Indian nationals from Sudan due to internal unrest.
INS Subhadra:
- It is a patrol vessel of the INS Sukanya class.
- The vessel has served as a test bed for the Dhanush ship-launched ballistic missile.
8. Indian soldiers posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjold Medal
Tags: Defence
Indian head constables Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi were posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjold Medal.
An Overview of the News
- The Dag Hammarskjold Medal is the highest award given to United Nations peacekeepers.
- The medals were received by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations on behalf of the departed Head Constables.
- The Dag Hammarskjold Medal is awarded posthumously to peacekeepers who have lost their lives during peacekeeping operations.
- The award ceremony took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
- The medal is named after Dag Hammarskjold, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Important Points:
- Border Security Force (BSF) head constables Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi lost their lives while serving under the UN flag in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of the MONUSCO mission.
- Shabar Tahir Ali, an Indian national serving with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), was also awarded the Dag Hammarskjold Medal posthumously.
- The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed annually on 29 May to recognize the dedication, professionalism and bravery of peacekeepers around the world.
- India holds the distinction of being the first country to send an all-women contingent to the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia in 2007.
9. MiG-29K makes night landing on INS Vikrant
Tags: Defence
The Indian Navy achieved a significant milestone on May 24, 2023 by performing the first-ever night landing of a MiG-29K onboard INS Vikrant.
An Overview of the News:
- It is noteworthy in this context that the MiG-29K night landing within three months of the first landing on INS Vikrant is a challenging feat.
- INS Vikrant is currently undergoing air certification and flight integration trials with rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft to achieve 'combat ready' status very quickly.
- As part of these trials, the first landing of MiG-29K and indigenous LCA (Navy) took place on 06 February 2023 and since then there has been considerable progress in day and night landing trials of all helicopters of the Indian Navy.
MiG-29K:
- It is capable of flying in any weather.
- This jet is part of the fighter fleet of INS Vikrant.
- It can fly at twice the speed of sound (2000 km per hour).
- It is capable of carrying a load eight times its own weight.
- It can fly at an altitude of 65000 feet.
INS Vikrant:
- The country's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant has completed extensive sea trials ahead of her maiden voyage on August 4, 2021.
- It was inducted into the Indian Navy on 2 September 2022 in the presence of the Prime Minister.
- It is modeled after INS Ajay, the first indigenous warship built in the country, and INS Nilgiri, the indigenous light warship (frigate).
- Built by : M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited.
10. INSV Tarini crew back home after 188 days
Tags: Defence National News
The crew of INSV Tarini, who returned after an inter-continental voyage, were accorded a grand welcome at the flag-in ceremony in Goa.
An overview of the news
The crew returned home on 23 May after an arduous voyage of 17,000 nautical miles.
Two women officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, were involved in the entire operation.
Lt Cdr Dilna is a Logistics Officer in the Navy.
Roopa, who hails from Puducherry, has graduated in Aeronautical Engineering from Chennai. He is a Naval Armament Inspection Officer.
Both Dilna and Roopa are currently posted at INS Mandovi in Goa.
The historic voyage from Goa to Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town was completed by INSV Tarini in 188 days.
It reflects an exemplary display of gallantry, courage and tenacity by the crew and highlights the role of the Indian Navy as a pioneer in the country in ocean sailing.
