Hindu Notes from General Studies-02

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India ships wheat to Afghanistan via Chabahar

News:

India on Sunday began shipment of wheat to Afghanistan through the Iranian port of Chabahar.

Why its important?

• The move is significant as it indicates India remains firm in delivering on its regional commitment through partnership with Iran, despite Tehran’s ongoing tension with the United States.

Beyond News:

• The statement noted that Sunday’s transfer was part of India’s commitment to send 1.1 million tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan on grant basis.
• It pledged that Kabul will receive the entire amount in six different installments over the coming months.

Multilateral subjects set to top talks with Italy

News:

A range of multilateral and bilateral subjects are likely to be in focus during the visit of Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni that begins on Monday.

Beyond News:

• Diplomats indicated that India’s global push for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership and bilateral trade are likely to be on top of the agenda.
• Italy’s support for India’s candidature at the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016 was an important marker in multilateral collaboration and indicated Rome’s long-term commitment to supporting India’s role in the export control regimes.

Apart from the NSG, India is also seeking Italian support at the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) meeting that begins on Monday in Buenos Aires, where India has been pushing for stringent measures against Pakistan on terror funding issues.

India, Russia conclude war games

News:

India and Russia concluded their joint tri-service exercise, Indra, in Vladivostok on Sunday.

Beyond News:

• Indra was an 11-day joint training in counter-terrorism operations.
• This is India’s first tri-service exercise with any country.
• The exercise also provided an opportunity to both the armies for greater cultural understanding, sharing experiences and strengthening mutual trust and cooperation.
• The exercise began on October 19 and saw the participation of over 800 Indian personnel.

Indian forces largely used Russian equipment with which they are very familiar.

Hindu Notes from General Studies-03

Army finalises plan to modernise weapons

News:

• A fresh RFI (request for information) to procure the LMGs will be issued in the next few days, months after the Defence Ministry scrapped the tender for the 7.62 calibre guns as there was only one vendor left after a series of field trials.

Beyond News:

• The plan is to initially procure around 10,000 LMGs.
• The Army has also finalised the specifications for a new 7.62 mm assault rifle.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the Ministry’s highest decision-making body on procurement, is expected to give the go-ahead for it.

Background:

• In June, the Army had rejected an assault rifle built by the state-run Rifle Factory, Ishapore, after the guns miserably failed the firing tests.
• The procurement of assault rifles has witnessed significant delays due to a variety of reasons, including the Army’s failure to finalise the specifications for it.
• The Army needs around 7 lakh 7.62 x 51 mm assault guns to replace its INSAS rifles.

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