Internal Security - 4 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Separatism

The pursuit of separatism frequently results in the accentuation of ethnic identities, a development often viewed as divisive and potentially detrimental to national unity. In India, various separatist factions have presented diverse demands, ranging from the establishment of a distinct state within the Indian Union, such as Telangana, to aspirations for a sovereign state outside the Indian Union, as seen in the quest for Azad Kashmir.

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• A fundamental prerequisite for separatism often involves a pronounced sense of grievance against the central government, coupled with a coherent minority group exerting influence over a well-defined geographical region. 
• The impetus behind separatist movements is frequently rooted in intense emotions of anger, injury, and humiliation, which can serve as catalysts for revolts and uprisings. 
• India has witnessed numerous instances of separatist movements, including the Gorkhaland movement, the Bodoland movement, and calls for Vidarbha, among others.

Categorizing Separatism in India

Separatism in the Indian context can manifest in several distinct forms, encompassing:

• Linguistic-cultural separatism
• Regional separatism grounded in economic grievances
• Regional separatism arising from political grievances
• Indigenous separatism
• Nativist separatism

In a broader sense, separatism can be broadly classified into two categories: external separatism and internal separatism.

Separatism versus Secessionism

• While both terms denote the severing of ties or termination of contractual relations, they are applied in different contexts. 
• Separatism may involve demands for increased local autonomy or provincial/state rights, whereas secessionism specifically refers to a demand for formal withdrawal from a central political authority, with the intent of claiming independent sovereign status.

Global Outlook on Separatism

• The pursuit of separatism often sparks significant discord among major global powers. The legal framework surrounding separatism is ambiguous on the international stage, leading to inconsistent and non-uniform responses to separatist movements. 
• The United Nations lacks a dedicated unit for examining separatism, typically intervening only when conflicts erupt, considering peacekeeping missions to restore law and order.
• The concentration of decision-making power can contribute to separatism, and in Asia, ASEAN lacks a clearly defined policy on separatism, leaving it to national governments to address such movements. 
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), established to counter separatism, terrorism, and extremism, vehemently opposes separatist movements like the Uyghur movement in China. 
• The potential consequences of separatism include violent conflicts, particularly when countries divide along ethnic lines.

India’s Anti-terrorism Approach

India has initiated the formulation of a National Security Strategy. The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is currently gathering input from various central ministries and departments to craft the strategy's draft before seeking final approval from the cabinet. This comprehensive approach typically incorporates military, political, economic, and diplomatic measures to safeguard the nation, providing a framework for addressing both internal and external threats and challenges.

India's Pursuit of a National Security Strategy

India has undertaken various initiatives to formulate a comprehensive national security strategy, addressing its security challenges and safeguarding its interests. Notable efforts include:

• Subrahmanyam Committee Report (1979): Established to assess defense preparedness, this committee emphasized a credible minimum deterrence, self-reliance in defense production, and an integrated national security approach.
• Kargil Review Committee Report (2000): Formed post the 1999 Kargil conflict, this committee provided comprehensive recommendations on national security, although it did not immediately lead to a formal National Security Strategy (NSS).
• Group of Ministers (GoM) Report on National Security (2001): Post the Kargil conflict, a GoM was constituted to review national security, resulting in recommendations for improved intelligence sharing, military modernization, and counter-terrorism measures.
• Integrated Defense Staff (IDS) (2001): Established to enhance coordination among the armed services, the IDS plays a crucial role in implementing India's national security strategy.
• Draft National Security Strategy (2007): Released by the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), this document outlined India's security objectives, emphasizing non-alignment, territorial integrity, and economic growth.
• D.S. Hooda’s Document (2019): In 2019, Lt. Gen. (retd) D.S. Hooda's national security strategy document marked a significant milestone in India's journey towards developing a formal NSS.

Why does India need a National Security Strategy?

• India grapples with a multitude of security concerns encompassing terrorism, territorial disputes, cyber threats, economic security, and the imperative of safeguarding its borders. The formulation and implementation of a national security strategy play a pivotal role in prioritizing and tackling these diverse threats.
• This strategy serves as a framework for delineating and safeguarding India's national interests, spanning territorial integrity, economic prosperity, regional stability, energy security, and the welfare of its citizens. It fosters collaboration and coherence among various government entities, including the military, intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and diplomatic channels, aligning them towards shared objectives.
• Furthermore, the strategy aids in resource allocation, ensuring adequate funding to address the country's security needs. It offers guidance on governmental responses during crises or emergencies, promoting a more coordinated and effective approach. Additionally, it shapes India's foreign policy by outlining security priorities and interests, providing a long-term vision to navigate future challenges and uncertainties.
• The establishment of a national security strategy enhances transparency in government actions related to security and holds the government accountable for implementing the strategy. Globally, many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, China, and Australia, have articulated comprehensive national security strategies tailored to their unique circumstances.

India encounters distinctive challenges in crafting a national security strategy due to its intricate geopolitical, economic, and social landscape:

• Geopolitical Complexity: Managing relationships with neighboring countries, each with its distinct political and security dynamics, poses a critical challenge, exacerbated by ongoing territorial disputes and regional conflicts.
• Border Security: Securing vast land and maritime borders necessitates a delicate balance between infrastructure development and robust management to prevent illegal activities and incursions.
• Terrorism and Insurgency: Addressing various forms of domestic and cross-border terrorism, including insurgency in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states, remains a significant challenge.
• Internal Security: The nation grapples with communal and religious tensions, Naxalite-Maoist insurgency, and organized crime, demanding a delicate balance between maintaining law and order and addressing underlying issues.
• Cybersecurity Threats: India's increasing digitization exposes it to cyber threats, necessitating the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive information.
• Economic Vulnerabilities: Economic security is closely intertwined with national security, as dependencies on energy imports, trade relationships, and global economic fluctuations impact security. Ensuring economic stability and resilience is crucial.
• Military Modernization: Balancing defense budgets, technology acquisition, and indigenous defense production is a substantial challenge as the armed forces require modernization to meet evolving threats.
• Environmental Concerns: Climate change and environmental degradation pose long-term security threats, affecting resources, displacement, and social stability. Mitigating these challenges and ensuring environmental security is essential.
• Intelligence and Information Sharing: Effective intelligence gathering, sharing, and analysis are vital for preempting security threats, demanding coordination among intelligence agencies and fostering international cooperation.
• Nuclear Deterrence: Managing India's nuclear doctrine and deterrence posture is crucial, particularly given complex regional dynamics with Pakistan and China.
• Political and Bureaucratic Coordination: Coordinating various government ministries, departments, and agencies involved in national security is challenging, necessitating streamlined decision-making processes and improved inter-agency cooperation.
• Civil-Military Relations: Maintaining public support for national security policies and fostering a healthy civil-military relationship is essential for an effective national security strategy.

Conclusion

As a populous and geographically diverse nation, India requires a well-crafted national security strategy to effectively address its complex security environment. This strategy, integrating diplomatic, economic, military, and intelligence components, should be comprehensive, adaptable, and subject to regular review to safeguard the country's national interests and security effectively.

New Indian Air Force (IAF) Ensign

The Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) recently introduced a new Ensign for the force.

Overview of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Ensign

• The new IAF Ensign will exclusively feature the IAF Crest. This crest prominently showcases the national symbol, the Ashoka Lion, positioned at the top, accompanied by the words "Satyamev Jayate" in Devanagari script just below it. 
• Directly beneath the Ashoka Lion, there is a Himalayan eagle with outstretched wings, symbolizing the indomitable fighting spirit of the IAF. Encircling the Himalayan eagle is a light blue ring bearing the words “Indian Air Force”. 
• The IAF motto, derived from the Bhagavad Gita - "Nabha Sparsham Deeptam," translating to "touching the sky with glory," is inscribed in golden Devanagari below the Himalayan eagle. The IAF crest serves as a symbol of inspiration and encouragement. 
• Various crests have been adopted by the IAF for commands, squadrons, and other establishments, all adhering to a standardized framework that includes the formation sign and a motto displayed in the scroll at the frame's base.

Historical Context:

• During the British era, the Indian Air Force was known as the Royal Indian Air Force. Its ensign featured the Union Jack in the upper left canton and the RIAF roundel (Red, White & Blue) on the fly side. 
• Post-Independence, the Indian Air Force redesigned its ensign by replacing the Union Jack with the Indian tricolor and substituting the RAF roundels with the IAF tri-color roundel in the lower right canton.

Sonobuoys

The Indian Navy is strategizing to bolster its maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities by outfitting MQ-9B Sea Guardian medium altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones with sonobuoys.

Specifics

• Sonobuoys are compact, expendable devices utilized in underwater acoustics and sonar systems to identify and analyze sound in the ocean, with a primary focus on tracking submarines and other submerged objects.

Deployment

• To deploy sonobuoys, they are either released into the ocean from aircraft or launched from ships or submarines. Upon deployment, these devices descend to a predetermined depth, initiating the process of listening for acoustic signals to identify potential submarine threats. Employing multiple sonobuoys in a pattern enables the precise determination of a target's location.

Varieties

• Passive Sonobuoys: These discreetly listen for and record sounds without emitting any signals, relying on hydrophones to detect sound energy from a target.
• Active Sonobuoys: In contrast, active sonobuoys emit a sound pulse and analyze the returning signals (echoes) to detect and pinpoint targets, utilizing transducers to transmit acoustic signals.
• Special Purpose Buoys: Designed for additional functionalities, these buoys furnish information about the environment, including water temperature, ambient noise levels, and more.

Components:

• A standard sonobuoy comprises a buoyant housing, typically cylindrical or spherical in shape, equipped with sensors for detecting acoustic signals, a power source or battery, and a communication system, such as a radio transmitter, to transmit data to the host platform, such as an aircraft or ship.

Alternative Applications:

• Beyond its role in anti-submarine warfare, sonobuoys find applications in scientific research and environmental studies, including the observation of marine creatures such as whales.
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MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B):

• Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF), the MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B) is tailored for long-endurance, high-altitude surveillance. Larger and more capable than its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator, it can be controlled using the same ground systems.

MQ-9B SkyGuardian:

• As a next-generation remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), the MQ-9B SkyGuardian offers persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities on a global scale.

MQ-9B SeaGuardian:

• Designed specifically for maritime operations, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a variant of the SkyGuardian RPAS. It incorporates advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, facilitating real-time search and patrol both above and below the ocean's surface.

Integration Advantages:

• Submarine Detection:
  • Enhances reach and surveillance capabilities.
  • Deploys sonobuoys across a wide area to detect submerged threats.
• Extended Range:
  • With its long endurance and high altitude, the drone efficiently covers vast ocean areas.
  • Expands the coverage range for monitoring and responding to potential threats.
• Real-time Data:
  • Acoustic signals detected by sonobuoys are transmitted in real-time.
  • Enables swift decision-making and response to submarine threats.
• Versatility:
  • Offers a choice between passive and active sonobuoys.
  • Passive sonobuoys for discreet listening, active for active searching and locating.
• Environmental Data:
  • Provides crucial environmental information (e.g., water temperature, noise levels).
  • Enhances understanding of the underwater environment.
• Cost-effective Surveillance:
  • Drones deploying sonobuoys reduce reliance on expensive manned assets.
  • Ensures persistent and cost-effective maritime surveillance.
• Safety:
  • Mitigates risks associated with manned aircraft deployments.
  • Presents safer and more flexible deployment options.

Conclusion

Integrating sonobuoys with MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones significantly enhances the Indian Navy's maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. This integration provides a valuable tool for safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring regional security.

Simbex Exercise

Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti, along with the submarine INS Sindhukesari, have arrived in Singapore to partake in the 30th edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).

Insights into SIMBEX 23

• This annual bilateral Naval exercise, established in 1994, fosters collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Notably, it stands as the Indian Navy's lengthiest continuous naval exercise with any other nation.
• SIMBEX-2023 unfolds in two phases – the Harbour Phase at Singapore, scheduled from September 21 to 24, 2023, succeeded by a Sea Phase. Joining the naval vessels are Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I.
• The Harbour Phase will feature diverse professional engagements, cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), and sports fixtures, all geared towards augmenting interoperability and mutual comprehension between the two naval forces.
• Moving into the Sea Phase of SIMBEX 23, participants will engage in intricate and advanced air defense exercises, gunnery firings, tactical manoeuvres, anti-submarine exercises, and other maritime operations. This phase aims to enhance the war-fighting skills of both navies, solidifying their capacity for joint, multi-discipline operations in the maritime domain.