Operationalizing the Indian Defence University
Current Landscape:
- Reports indicate that neighboring countries like Pakistan and China have established multiple universities for their armed forces.
- However, India’s long-awaited Indian Defence University (IDU) remains unrealized, raising concerns about its absence.
Importance of Professional Military Education (PME):
- The evolving nature of warfare necessitates continuous education and preparation for future security challenges.
- A well-structured PME continuum is essential to empower officers to meet changing assignments and increasing responsibilities throughout their careers.
Historical Progress and Slow Development:
- The idea of a Defence Services University was first proposed in 1967 by the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
- In 1982, a Study Group emphasized the need for an apex educational body, leading to the concept of the IDU.
- While ‘in principle’ approval was granted for the IDU in Gurgaon based on Dr. K. Subrahmanyam’s report, progress has been sluggish.
Existing System and Challenges:
- India’s armed forces operate several world-class training and education institutions, yet they lack an integrated PME framework and a multidisciplinary approach to strategic thinking.
- Affiliations with universities for degree courses are not optimal, highlighting the need for additional subjects relevant to national security and defense.
The Timeliness of the IDU:
- Despite the establishment of institutions like the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gujarat, the necessity of the IDU remains.
- Delays in operationalizing the IDU hinder defense preparedness, strategic culture, and inter-service integration.
- Urgent action is required to operationalize the IDU, implementing a forward-looking military education curriculum.
Conclusion:
The establishment of the IDU is imperative for India’s defense preparedness and strategic advancement. It is essential to expedite its operationalization to ensure a robust military education framework aligned with future security needs.
Overview of Sudan’s Civil War
Background:
- Sudan’s civil war reflects a longstanding crisis within its governing structure since gaining independence from British rule in 1956.
- The nation has witnessed numerous coups and attempted coups, with a 56-year rebellion leading to the creation of South Sudan in 2011.
Sudan: A Diverse Nation:
- Sudan has a population of 49 million, comprising 19 major ethnic groups and about 597 ethnic sub-groups speaking various languages.
- Sudanese Arabs constitute the largest ethnic group, making up around 70% of the population.
- Political and economic power is concentrated in the central region, particularly in Khartoum.
Early Independence Years:
- The government established in 1956 emphasized an Arab and Islamic identity, following the principles of Mahdism.
- In 1989, a new government led by the National Islamic Front came to power, aiming to establish an Islamic state under Omar al-Bashir’s rule.
- Al-Bashir formalized tribal militias as the Rapid Support Forces in 2013, ratified by Sudan’s parliament in 2017.
- Protests erupted in 2018 over poverty, corruption, and unemployment, leading to military intervention in 2019 and al-Bashir’s removal from power.
Emergence of Militia-Dominated State:
- The Rapid Support Forces emerged as a counterbalance to the armed forces, deploying fighters to key cities, border regions, and economic hubs.
- Russia established ties with the Rapid Support Forces through the Wagner Group to secure access to Sudanese gold.
- Way Forward:
- Sudan requires international collaboration for reconstruction efforts.
- It must establish a transparent, civilian-led government representing the populace and incorporating their voices in decision-making.
- Urgent action is needed to reconstruct Sudan’s post-colonial state to safeguard the rights of all citizens.
Southern Brazil Hit by Worst Flood in Decades
Background
- Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil experienced the heaviest rainfall in 80 years, resulting in devastating floods.
- The floods have claimed the lives of 39 people, with 68 individuals still reported missing.
- According to the Brazilian Geological Service, the flooding has surpassed levels observed during a historic deluge in 1941.
Bengal Governor Advises Staff to Ignore Police Summons
Context:
- West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose instructed all Raj Bhavan staff to disregard any communication from the Kolkata Police related to a complaint lodged against him.
- The complaint was filed by a female Raj Bhavan employee alleging sexual harassment by the Governor.
- Additionally, the Governor has prohibited the entry of police personnel into the Raj Bhavan premises.
Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 361(2) and (3) of the Indian Constitution stipulate that state police cannot undertake any action, including inquiries or investigations, against the Honorable Governor.
- Previously, the Kolkata Police had formed an eight-member special inquiry team to investigate the allegations of molestation against the Governor.
Catatumbo Lightning: Nature’s Spectacle
Phenomenon Description:
- Catatumbo lightning is a captivating natural spectacle observed over the Catatumbo River in Venezuela, where lightning strikes occur almost incessantly.
- This phenomenon primarily manifests at the mouth of the Catatumbo River, where it converges with Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela’s largest lake.
Frequency and Duration:
- Catatumbo lightning is renowned for its remarkable frequency and duration, with lightning strikes recorded for up to 160 nights per year.
- At its peak, an average of 28 lightning strikes per minute illuminate the sky.
Causes and Mechanisms:
- The phenomenon is triggered by the convergence of warm, moisture-laden air from the Caribbean Sea with cooler air descending from the Andes mountains.
- This collision results in the rapid ascent of warm air, forming towering cumulonimbus clouds.
- Within these clouds, the interplay of strong winds and temperature differentials generates electrical charges, accumulating static electricity.
- When the electrical potential within the clouds becomes excessive, it discharges in the form of lightning, illuminating the night sky in a mesmerizing display.
Centre Grants AEO Status to Gem and Jewellery Sector
News Context:
- The Centre has conferred Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status upon the gem and jewellery sector, as announced by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
- Among the 20 applicants, Asian Star, a diamond and diamond jewellery manufacturer, has been awarded the AEO status, marking a significant milestone in the Indian gem and jewellery industry.
The AEO Programme:
- The AEO programme operates within the framework of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, aiming to secure and facilitate global trade.
- Aligned with commitments under Article 7.7 of the WTO TFA, India’s AEO Programme is a voluntary compliance initiative.
- The programme aims to enhance international supply chain security and streamline the movement of legitimate goods, fostering close cooperation between Indian Customs and key stakeholders in the international supply chain.
