PIB Summary- 12th July, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme

Context

Recently, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth launched “GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024) of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited ( GRSE) in Kolkata.

Overview of GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme

• Innovative Scheme: The GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme aims to address challenges in shipyards and promote technological development through startups nurtured within India.
• Support for MSMEs and Start-Ups: It encourages MSMEs and Start-Ups to develop innovative solutions that can contribute to technological advancements in shipbuilding and enhance the capabilities of the Indian armed forces and maritime security.
• National Initiative: This scheme is uniquely designed to harness the potential of MSMEs and Start-Ups, facilitating their participation in developing solutions that GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd.) can integrate for further technological progress.
• Objectives: The primary goal is to utilize the MSME and Start-Up ecosystem to tackle current and future challenges in ship design and construction, aligning with the principles of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta).
• Alignment with Government Policies: The initiative is in line with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ initiatives, promoting indigenous innovation and self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.

12th India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) Meeting

Context

Recently, the 12th edition of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was held in Abu Dhabi focusing on enhancing bilateral defence and security cooperation.

Highlights of the 12th India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) Meeting

• Meeting Focus: The 12th edition of the JDCC meeting between India and the UAE was recently held in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing enhanced bilateral defence and security cooperation.
• Agenda Coverage: Discussions encompassed a broad spectrum of areas such as training, joint exercises, defence industrial cooperation, and research & development, reflecting a holistic approach to strengthening the partnership.
• Establishment and History: The India-UAE JDCC was established in 2006, and since then, it has successfully conducted 11 rounds, underscoring the steady growth in bilateral defence interactions.

India-UAE Defence Collaboration

• Air Force: Conducted a trilateral Air Exercise focusing on Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) in 2018.
• Navy: Engaged in joint exercises including “Gulf Star 1,” Zayed Talwar, and participation in IDEX/NAVDEX.

Geographical and Political Context of the UAE

• Geographical Location: Situated on the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE borders the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. It shares boundaries with Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Oman to the southeast, with Qatar located northwest.
• Strategic Importance: Alongside Iran and Oman, the UAE shares a coastline with the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global maritime trade.
• Political Structure: Governed by a Federal Supreme Council, the UAE is composed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi (the largest), Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Qaiwain.

Exercise Pitch Black 2024

Context

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent landed at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.

About Exercise Pitch Black 2024

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent’s participation in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 marks a significant international collaboration effort hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Here are the key highlights and implications of this exercise:

Exercise Scope and Objectives:

• Biennial International Exercise: Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial exercise hosted by RAAF, focusing on Large Force Employment warfare tactics.
• Historic Scale: This edition, the largest in its 43-year history, involves 20 countries, with over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel participating.
• Night Time Flying Emphasis: The exercise’s name, ‘Pitch Black,’ highlights its focus on night time flying operations over large unpopulated areas.

Strategic Objectives:

• Enhanced Cooperation: The exercise aims to strengthen international cooperation and enhance operational experience through joint training and exercises.
• Force Integration: IAF will integrate with participating nations, facilitating mutual exchange of best practices and operational tactics.
• Indo-Pacific Focus: Pitch Black 2024 supports integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region, demonstrating the ability to deploy over large distances and support complex aviation operations.

Benefits and Outcomes:

• Capability Enhancement: Participation allows IAF to refine its operational strategies, test interoperability with advanced fighter aircraft like the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen, and Typhoon.
• Aviation Associations: Building strong aviation associations among participating nations fosters resilience and readiness in addressing contemporary security challenges.