Monthly Current Affairs: July to November 2024

23-December 2024...........

The period from July to November 2024 saw significant developments in India's defense and security sectors, alongside notable international military engagements. Key highlights included joint military exercises with countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the USA, advancements in defense technology like the successful missile tests and induction of new military assets, and the expansion of India's naval and air capabilities. Additionally, strategic defense partnerships were strengthened with nations like the USA, and initiatives to enhance coastal security were rolled out by the Indian Coast Guard. The government also focused on emerging threats like cybercrime and the development of advanced military technologies, underlining India's adaptive defense strategy.

July, 2024

Date	Event	Details
July 1, 2024	Maitree Exercise Begins	India and Thailand initiated the two-week joint military exercise at Fort Vachiraprakan, Tak Province, Thailand, strengthening bilateral military ties.
July 5, 2024	Defence Production Milestone	India's defence production reached a record Rs 1,26,887 crore for FY 2023-24, showcasing progress toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
July 5, 2024	Weapon Systems School Inaugurated	Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari inaugurated the IAF’s Weapon Systems School in Hyderabad, focused on modern, effect-based training for its officers.
July 11–17, 2024	Birlestik-2024 Exercise	Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan conducted joint operational-tactical military drills at the Oymasha training ground and Cape Tokmak, Kazakhstan.
July 12 – Aug 2, 2024	Exercise Pitch Black 2024	Indian Air Force participated in the multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force in Darwin, Australia.
July 14, 2024	Fleet Awards Function	INS Delhi was honored as the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet during a ceremony in Visakhapatnam.
July 17, 2024	INS Tabar Visits Hamburg	Indian Navy’s INS Tabar arrived in Hamburg, Germany, for professional exchanges, public visits, and participation in a naval exercise.
July 23, 2024	Advanced Frigate Launched	Goa Shipyard Limited launched the first of two Advanced Frigates, marking a major step in enhancing India's naval capabilities.
July 24, 2024	DRDO Achieves Major Milestone	DRDO reached a significant milestone in advancing national security through cutting-edge defence technology development.
July 30, 2024	Indian Coast Guard Unveils Software	The ICG launched the ‘Suvidha Software Version 1.0’ during its Annual Operational Sea Training Conference in Visakhapatnam.

Other Key Developments:

SEBEX 2 Explosive: The Indian Navy certified a highly potent explosive, SEBEX 2, which is twice as lethal as TNT.
4G Mobile Base Stations: The Indian Army inducted indigenous chip-based 4G LTE mobile base stations developed by Signaltron, Bangalore.
Zorawar Light Tank: Developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro, the Zorawar tank is designed for high-altitude combat with advanced weaponry and armor.
Captain Supreetha C.T.: Became the first woman officer from the Corps of Army Air Defence to be deployed at the Siachen Glacier.
Naval Presence at Russian Navy Day: INS Tabar represented India at the 328th Russian Navy Day in Saint Petersburg.
BSF Plantation Drive: Collaborated with SBI for an environmental initiative in Srinagar.
Technology Development Fund: DRDO awarded seven new projects to support MSMEs and startups in defence technology development.
Weapon Systems Training: IAF aims to recalibrate force readiness through a new school in Hyderabad.

August, 2024

Date	Event	Details
August 3, 2024	Daljit Singh Chawdhary Takes Additional Charge	Daljit Singh Chawdhary, Director General of Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB), assumed the additional role of Director General of Border Security Force (BSF).
August 9, 2024	Udara Shakti 2024 Exercise Concludes	The bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) successfully concluded at Kuantan, Malaysia.
August 12, 2024	Mitra Shakti Military Exercise Begins	The annual India-Sri Lanka military exercise started at the Sri Lankan Army Training School in Maduru Oya, enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.
August 20, 2024	Army Chief’s High-Level Meeting	General Upendra Dwivedi chaired a meeting on transformational initiatives by the Indian Army to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
August 25-27, 2024	INS Tabar Visits Spain	Indian Navy’s INS Tabar docked in Malaga, Spain, for a two-day engagement and participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Spanish Navy in the Mediterranean Sea.
Date TBD	INS Arighat Commissioning	India is set to commission its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat, further enhancing its naval capabilities.

Other Key Developments:

Parvat Prahaar Exercise: The Indian Army conducted a high-altitude warfare exercise in Ladakh, emphasizing strategic operations.
Typhoon Vehicle Demonstration: ITBP tested the advanced Typhoon vehicle at its Transport Battalion in Chandigarh.
Astra Missile Production: DRDO and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) received IAF clearance to produce 200 Astra air-to-air missiles for Su-30 and LCA Tejas aircraft.
SiG 716 Rifle Procurement: The Defence Ministry is finalizing an additional order for 73,000 SiG 716 G2 patrol rifles from the US for frontline troops.
Sarang Team at Egypt Airshow: The IAF’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team represented India at the Egypt International Airshow, showcasing indigenous aviation technology.
Ulchi Freedom Shield 24: For the first time, the 51st Fighter Wing in South Korea integrated its recurring wing readiness exercise into this multinational defense drill.

September, 2024

Date	Event	Details
September 6, 2024	Agni-4 Missile Test Launch	The DRDO successfully conducted a test launch of the Agni-4 IRBM from the Integrated Test Range, Odisha, validating all operational and technical parameters.
September 6, 2024	5th India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Dialogue	Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and General Ibrahim Hilmy led discussions in New Delhi to advance bilateral defence projects and regional stability.
September 8, 2024	International Literacy Day	Observed globally to highlight the importance of literacy for building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society.
September 9, 2024	Yudh Abhyas 2024 Commences	The 20th edition of the India-USA Joint Military Exercise began at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, focusing on interoperability and tactical collaboration.
September 9, 2024	Indian Navy Launches New Vessels	The Cochin Shipyard launched two Mahe-Class ships, "Malpe" and "Mulki," bolstering India’s naval capabilities.
September 12, 2024	IDAX-24 Inauguration	Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the India Defence Aviation Exposition in Jodhpur, coinciding with Exercise Tarang Shakti-24, a major multinational air exercise.
September 12, 2024	VL-SRSAM Test	DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile at the Integrated Test Range, Odisha.
September 13, 2024	Zorawar Light Tank Trials	DRDO completed preliminary trials for the Indian Light Tank, Zorawar, showcasing advancements in combat vehicle technology.
September 13-26, 2024	Al Najah Exercise	The Indian Army participated in the India-Oman joint military exercise at Rabkoot Training Area, Salalah, Oman.
September 23, 2024	Sainik School Jaipur Inauguration	Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new Sainik School in Jaipur as part of the initiative to establish 100 new schools in partnership mode.
September 24, 2024	Indian Coast Guard Commanders' Conference	Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 41st edition of the conference in New Delhi, focusing on maritime security and operational challenges.

Other Key Developments:

Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility (VINETRA): Commissioned at INS Satavahana, Visakhapatnam, to enhance submarine safety protocols.
Navika Sagar Parikrama II: A historic all-women global circumnavigation expedition aboard INSV Tarini was launched, showcasing maritime skills and gender equality.
Operation Sadbhav: India dispatched humanitarian aid to Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos to support typhoon relief efforts.
National Disaster Management Symposium: NDMA and Indian Army Southern Command held Exercise AIKYA on disaster management strategies.
Russia-China Naval Exercises: Conducted joint drills in the Sea of Japan, focusing on anti-aircraft and anti-submarine operations.
ABHED Bulletproof Jackets: DRDO and IIT Delhi developed lightweight bulletproof jackets for enhanced soldier protection.
Open Water Swimming Expedition: Concluded an expedition across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands named after Param Vir Chakra awardees, honoring their bravery.

October, 2024

Defense Exercises

Maritime Exercises

Exercise Name	Venue	Participating Countries	Key Notes
IBSAMAR VIII	South Africa	India, Brazil, South Africa	INS Talwar participated in Blue Water Naval Warfare focusing on Surface and Anti-Air Warfare.
MALABAR (2024)	Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh	India, Australia, Japan, USA	Multi-national maritime exercise from 8th to 18th October 2024 to strengthen maritime cooperation.
Naseem Al Bahr	Goa	India, Oman	Bilateral naval exercise focusing on interoperability and mutual understanding.

Land Exercises

Exercise Name	Venue	Participating Countries	Key Notes
Exercise KAZIND	Uttarakhand, India	India, Kazakhstan	8th edition held at Surya Foreign Training Node, Auli, Uttarakhand, from 30th September to 13th October 2024.
'Swavlamban Shakti'	Jhansi	India	Conducted by Sudarshan Chakra Corps at Babina Field Firing Ranges.
'Sagar Kavach'	Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra	Multiple Indian Agencies	Coastal security exercise involving Navy, Coast Guard, BSF, and more, focusing on infiltration and smuggling threats.

Testing Missiles

Missile Name	Testing Location	Features
VSHORADS	Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan	Man Portable Air Defence System with 6 km range, developed by DRDO.

Defense Deals & MoUs

Parties Involved	Details
Tata Motors & Morocco	Contract to produce 150 WhAP combat vehicles jointly developed with DRDO.
DRDO & IIT Delhi	Launched lightweight bulletproof jacket "ABHED" for defense personnel.
India & USA	Agreement worth $4 billion to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones and two nuclear submarines.

Army, Navy & Air Force News

Indian Army

Delivery of Indigenous SMGs: Lokesh Machines delivered 550 "Asmi" Sub-Machine Guns to the Indian Army.
Upgraded T-90 Tanks: The first upgraded T-90 "Bhishma" tank was unveiled in Tamil Nadu.
High-Altitude Firing Range: A new range was established in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

Indian Navy

Nuclear Submarine Launch: Fourth SSBN "S4*" launched with K-4 ballistic missiles.
INS Samarthak: The first multi-purpose vessel was launched by L&T.
New Barges and Ships: INS Nirdeshak and Missile-Cum-Ammunition Barge LSAM 12 delivered.
Fast Patrol Vessels: Adamya and Akshar were launched by Goa Shipyard Limited.

Indian Air Force

"Vayu Veer Vijaeta" Car Rally: Flagged off on October 8, 2024, commemorating the 92nd anniversary of the IAF.
Delivery of AL-31FP Aero Engine: HAL delivered the first engine for the Su-30MKI aircraft.

Other Highlights

DefConnect 4.0: Promoted indigenous defense innovation, organized by iDEX-DIO.
Training Deployment: Indian Navy ships conducted joint exercises in Muscat, Oman.
Navika Sagar Parikrama: Circumnavigation by two women officers launched from INS Mandovi.

Tributes and Events

Saluting Valor: Month-long tribute to 1962 Walong heroes from October 17 to November 14, 2024.

November, 2024

INDIAN COAST GUARD

Aspect	Details
Why in the News?	Recently, the parliamentary standing committee on defence reviewed the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) role in ensuring coastal security.
Constituted	August 1978 under the Coast Guard Act 1978.
Role	National Coordinating Agency for Maritime Law Enforcement, Maritime Search & Rescue, and Marine Pollution Response.
Ministry	Ministry of Defence.

Roles in Maritime Security

Role	Details
Enforcement of laws	Enforces maritime laws, regulations, and international treaties.
Safety and protection	Safeguards artificial islands, offshore terminals, and ODAs; assists mariners in distress; protects offshore wealth.
Inter-agency coordination	Helps customs and other agencies in anti-smuggling operations.
Environment preservation	Preserves marine ecosystems and collects meteorological and oceanographic data.

Initiatives to Strengthen ICG

Initiative	Details
Inter-agency Maritime Exercises	Exercises like SAREX-2024 and Sagar Kavach enhance operational preparedness.
Increased responsibilities	Authority for coastal security in territorial waters since 2009, including Coastal Police patrolling.
Central-State Coordination	Overseen by the Director General of the ICG for better coastal security collaboration.

Conclusion

Over the years, the ICG has enhanced India's maritime rescue capabilities and contributed to the vision of "Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR).

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)

Aspect	Details
Why in the News?	The Ministry of Home Affairs reimposed AFSPA 1958 in "disturbed areas" of Manipur, including Jiribam.
Disturbed Areas	Declared by Governor, UT Administrator, or Centre if armed forces aid is necessary to restore order.
Special Powers	Open fire, arrest, and search premises without a warrant; prior Central Government approval needed for legal proceedings.
Applicability	Parts of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh; AFSPA 1990 applies in Jammu & Kashmir.

Concerns and Reforms

Aspect	Details
Concerns	Abuse of powers and human rights violations.
Supreme Court Judgments	Restricted use of force (Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights Case, 1997). No immunity for excesses (Extra Judicial Execution Case, 2016).
Committees' Recommendations	Recommended reforms or scrapping (Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy, Santosh Hegde, Justice Verma Committees).

Adaptive Defence Strategy

Aspect	Details
Why in the News?	The Raksha Mantri emphasized an 'Adaptive Defence' strategy to address evolving threats.
Definition	Continuous evolution of military strategies to counter emerging threats.
Principles	Proactive anticipation, adaptability, innovation, and resilience.
Significance	Tackles both traditional and non-traditional threats, including information warfare and trafficking.

EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN WARFARE

Technology	Details
Information Warfare (IW)	Gains advantage through networked systems, including cyberwarfare.
Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS)	Engages targets without human intervention.
Lasers & Railguns	Space-based attacks on satellites.
Synthetic Biology	Involves bio-hacking and cyber-bio crimes.

DIGITAL ARREST

Aspect	Details
Why in the News?	CERT-In issued an advisory on preventing scams, including digital arrests.
Definition	Online scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement to extort money.
Losses	Indians lost Rs 120.30 crore (January-April 2024).
Causes	Increased digital transactions, lack of security awareness, advanced techniques like AI voices, and simulated calls.

Government Initiatives

Initiative	Details
I4C	Tackles all cybercrimes.
Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre	Collaborates with banks and telecom providers.
Samanvaya Platform	Analyzes crime data.
National Cyber Crime Portal	Enables public reporting.
CERT-In Best Practices	Encourages verifying caller identity and avoiding unknown links.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Development	Details
India’s Fourth Nuclear Submarine	Launch of S4* enhances nuclear deterrence; 75% indigenous content; K-4 ballistic missiles (3,500 km range).
First Hypersonic Missile	Demonstrated technologies like scramjet propulsion and hypersonic stability; joins US, Russia, China.
LRLACM	Tested 1,000 km range; supports mobile and ship launches.
Exercise Antariksha Abhyas 2024	Space defense exercise by Defence Space Agency to secure assets.
Operation Sagar Manthan	Aims to combat maritime drug trafficking and boost national security.

Conclusion

From July to November 2024, India advanced its defense capabilities through joint exercises, technological innovations, and strategic partnerships. Key developments included enhanced naval and air assets, missile tests, and a focus on self-reliance. The Indian Coast Guard strengthened coastal security, while emerging threats like cybercrime were addressed. India's defense strategy emphasized adaptability and resilience, reinforcing its role in regional and global security.