Background of the Operation Kaveri

Sudan has been plagued by conflicts and instability for decades, with two civil wars between the central government and the southern regions, a continuing conflict in the western region of Darfur, and several military coups and protests. In 2019, a popular uprising led by the Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) toppled the long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir and paved the way for a power-sharing agreement between the military and civilian forces. The agreement established a transitional government headed by General al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, with a mandate to hold democratic elections by 2024.

However, on 15 April 2023, the RSF, a paramilitary group led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemeti), launched a surprise attack on multiple Sudanese Army bases across the country, including in the capital Khartoum. The RSF claimed to have captured key strategic locations such as Khartoum International Airport, Merowe Airport, El Obeid Airport, and a base in Soba. Clashes between RSF and Army forces erupted at the Presidential Palace and at the residence of General al-Burhan, with both sides claiming control over the two sites. The RSF accused the transitional government of corruption, mismanagement, and betrayal of the revolution, while the Army denounced the RSF as traitors and coup plotters.

The violence and chaos triggered a humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where millions of people were trapped without access to basic services such as food, water, electricity, health care, and communication. The United Nations estimated that more than 1.5 million people were displaced and more than 2,000 people were killed or injured due to the conflict. The international community condemned the coup attempt and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to civilian rule.

Role of Indian Air Force in Operation Kaveri

India has close historical and cultural ties with Sudan, where more than 4,000 Indians live and work, mainly in Khartoum. India also has significant economic interests in Sudan, where it has invested in oil exploration, infrastructure development, agriculture, education, health care, and capacity building. India has also contributed to peacekeeping missions in Sudan under the UN umbrella.

As soon as the conflict erupted in Sudan, India expressed its deep concern over the situation and urged all parties to exercise restraint and respect the democratic transition process. India also activated its contingency plan to evacuate its citizens and foreign nationals from Sudan as soon as possible. India named its evacuation operation as Operation Kaveri, after the river that flows through southern India.

The IAF played a crucial role in Operation Kaveri by providing airlift support for the evacuees from Sudan to Saudi Arabia and India. The IAF deployed two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on standby in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as part of preparations for evacuation. The C-130J is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft that can carry up to 92 passengers or 64 paratroopers. It can operate from short and unprepared runways and can perform various missions such as airlift, airdrop, air-to-air refueling, special operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief,
and medical evacuation.

The IAF also coordinated with other friendly countries such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey to facilitate its evacuation operations. On 25 April 2023, Saudi Arabia safely evacuated 91 foreign nationals from Port Sudan by sea, out of which 66 were from friendly countries including India. The evacuees were transported by an Indian Navy ship INS Sumedha to Jeddah. On 27 April 2023, Turkey allowed an IAF C-130J aircraft to land at Wadi Seidna Air Base near Khartoum to evacuate 121 Indian nationals. The flight was dangerous, as fighting was going on in the area and a Turkish plane had come under fire there earlier. The IAF pilots used their onboard electro-optical and infrared sensors to ensure that the runway was free of obstructions and no hostile forces were in the vicinity.

The IAF continued its evacuation operations till 6 May 2023, when it brought the final batch of 47 passengers home by a C-130J flight from Jeddah. The IAF successfully evacuated a total of 3,862 people from Sudan, out of which 3,741 were Indian nationals and 121 were foreign nationals from 18 countries. The IAF also transported essential supplies such as food, water, medicines, and blankets to the evacuees in Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

The IAF played a vital role in Operation Kaveri by providing airlift support for the evacuees from Sudan to Saudi Arabia and India. The IAF displayed its professionalism, courage, and humanitarian spirit by conducting the evacuation operations in a timely, efficient, and safe manner. The IAF also demonstrated its operational readiness, strategic reach, and interoperability with other friendly forces by operating from different locations and platforms. The IAF earned the gratitude and appreciation of the Indian government, the evacuees, and the international community for its role in Operation Kaveri.

Origins and Evolution of Dog-Fighting

The first recorded instance of plane-on-plane combat occurred during the Mexican Revolution in 1913, between two American mercenaries fighting for opposing sides. However, neither pilot wanted to harm the other, so they exchanged pistol fire without hitting each other². The first true dog-fights took place during World War I, when aircraft were initially used for reconnaissance and observation. As the war progressed, pilots began to arm their planes with machine guns and engage in aerial duels with enemy planes. The term dog-fight was coined by British pilots who compared the chaotic and fast-paced nature of these battles to a melee between dogs³.

During World War I, some of the most famous dog-fighters were Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron), Eddie Rickenbacker, René Fonck, and Billy Bishop. They developed and refined various tactics and maneuvers to gain an advantage over their opponents, such as the Immelmann turn, the split-S, the barrel roll, and the scissors⁴. These maneuvers involved changing the direction, speed, altitude, and angle of attack of the aircraft to achieve a better position for firing or evading. The main factors that determined the outcome of a dog-fight were the pilot’s skill, situational awareness, and aircraft performance.

Dog-fighting continued to be a dominant form of air combat during World War II, despite the introduction of more advanced technologies such as radar, radio communication, and jet engines. Some of the most famous dog-fights of this era were the Battle of Britain, the Battle of Midway, and the Battle of Kursk. Some of the most renowned dog-fighters of this era were Erich Hartmann (the Black Devil), Richard Bong (the Ace of Aces), Saburo Sakai (the Samurai), and Chuck Yeager (the first man to break the sound barrier). They used various tactics and maneuvers to exploit the strengths and weaknesses of their aircraft and their enemies’, such as the boom-and-zoom, the energy trap, the high yo-yo, and the low yo-yo. These maneuvers involved managing the energy state of the aircraft, which is a combination of its speed and altitude, to maintain an advantage over the opponent.

Dog-fighting declined in importance and frequency after World War II, as air combat shifted to longer ranges and higher altitudes with the development of BVR missiles, radar-guided guns, and electronic warfare systems. Some of the few instances of dog-fighting that occurred during this period were the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Arab-Israeli conflicts, and the Indo-Pakistani wars. Some of the most notable dog-fighters of this period were James Jabara (the first jet ace), Giora Epstein (the ace of aces among jet pilots), Randy Cunningham (the only American ace of Vietnam), and Abhinandan Varthaman (the hero of Balakot). They used various tactics and maneuvers to counter or evade enemy missiles and radars, such as chaffs, flares, jammers, notching, beaming, and crank. These tactics involved deceiving or avoiding enemy sensors and weapons systems to survive or engage.

Current Status and Future Prospects of Dog-Fighting

Dog-fighting is largely considered obsolete in modern air combat operations due to the dominance of BVR missiles and stealth technology. Most air forces rely on these capabilities to achieve air superiority and strike targets without engaging in close-range combat. However, some scenarios may still require dog-fighting skills, such as when BVR missiles fail or are depleted, when the rules of engagement prohibit firing at long ranges, when the enemy has similar or superior technology, or when the mission involves air policing or air show. Therefore, some air forces still train and practice dog-fighting as a contingency plan or a demonstration of flying proficiency.

The future of dog-fighting may depend on the development of new technologies and doctrines that may change the nature and dynamics of air combat. Some of these technologies include hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, swarm drones, and laser weapons. Some of these doctrines include network-centric warfare, multi-domain operations, and distributed lethality. These technologies and doctrines may create new challenges and opportunities for dog-fighting, such as faster and more agile targets, autonomous and cooperative adversaries, and more diverse and dispersed threats. Therefore, dog-fighting may not be completely irrelevant in the future, but may require new skills and strategies to adapt to the changing environment.

Dog-fighting is a form of aerial combat between fighter aircraft at close range. It originated during World War I and evolved through World War II and the Cold War. It declined in importance and frequency after World War II due to the development of BVR missiles and stealth technology. However, it is still taught and practiced by some air forces as a last resort option or a demonstration of flying proficiency. The future of dog-fighting may depend on the development of new technologies and doctrines that may change the nature and dynamics of air combat.

Fly High, Feel Free. Join Indian Air Force as an officer through AFCAT Exam. Know more about AFCAT Exam and your eligibility.

For more information visit Indian Air Force Official Website

The IAF has undergone several modernization and expansion programs to enhance its capabilities and meet the challenges of the changing security environment. The IAF operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transporters, helicopters, trainers, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The IAF also has a range of air defence systems, including missiles, radars, and electronic warfare systems. In this note, we will highlight some of the advanced capabilities of the IAF that make it one of the most formidable air forces in the world.

Fighter Aircraft

The IAF operates a mix of indigenous and imported fighter aircraft that can perform various roles such as air superiority, ground attack, interception, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. Some of the advanced fighter aircraft in the IAF inventory are:

Rafale: The Rafale is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by France’s Dassault Aviation. It is capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with a high degree of agility and stealth. The Rafale can carry a variety of weapons, including MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile². The IAF has ordered 36 Rafales from France and received the first batch of six aircraft in July 2020. The Rafale will enhance the IAF’s strike capability and provide an edge over its adversaries.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI: The Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, super-maneuverable fighter aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau and customized for India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is one of the most advanced variants of the Su-30 family and can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with a high degree of accuracy and survivability. The Su-30MKI can carry a variety of weapons, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Astra BVR air-to-air missile. The IAF has around 270 Su-30MKIs in service and plans to upgrade them with new avionics and weapons. The Su-30MKI is the backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet and provides a strategic deterrence against China and Pakistan.

Tejas: The Tejas is a single-engine, light combat aircraft developed by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL. It is the first indigenous fighter aircraft to be inducted into the IAF and can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with a high degree of agility and versatility. The Tejas can carry a variety of weapons, including Derby BVR air-to-air missile and Spice precision-guided bomb⁴. The IAF has ordered 123 Tejas aircraft in two variants: Mk1 and Mk1A. The Tejas will replace the aging MiG-21s in the IAF’s inventory and boost its combat potential.

Air Defence Systems

The IAF operates a range of air defence systems that can detect, track, intercept, and destroy hostile aerial targets such as aircraft, missiles, drones, and rockets. Some of the advanced air defence systems in the IAF inventory are:

S-400 Triumf: The S-400 Triumf is a long-range, surface-to-air missile system developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey. It is considered one of the most advanced and capable air defence systems in the world and can engage multiple targets simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy and reliability. The S-400 can fire four types of missiles, with a maximum range of 400 km and a maximum altitude of 30 km. The IAF has ordered five S-400 systems from Russia and expects to receive the first batch by the end of 2021. The S-400 will provide a robust and layered air defence cover for the IAF and enhance its strategic deterrence.

Akash: The Akash is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile system developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). It is an indigenously designed and produced system that can engage multiple targets simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy and mobility. The Akash can fire a single-stage, solid-fuelled missile, with a maximum range of 30 km and a maximum altitude of 18 km. The IAF has inducted several squadrons of Akash systems and plans to upgrade them with new seekers and radars. The Akash will provide a reliable and cost-effective air defence solution for the IAF.

Astra: The Astra is a BVR air-to-air missile developed by DRDO and HAL. It is the first indigenous BVR missile to be inducted into the IAF and can engage hostile aircraft with a high degree of agility and stealth. The Astra can fire a single-stage, solid-fuelled missile, with a maximum range of 110 km and a maximum speed of Mach 4.5. The IAF has integrated the Astra on its Su-30MKI and Tejas aircraft and plans to integrate it on other platforms as well. The Astra will enhance the IAF’s air-to-air combat capability and provide an edge over its adversaries.

Future Plans

The IAF has ambitious plans to further modernize and expand its capabilities in the coming years. Some of the future plans of the IAF are:

Induction of new aircraft: The IAF plans to induct new aircraft such as Rafale, Tejas Mk1A, Tejas Mk2, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), etc. These aircraft will provide the IAF with advanced features such as stealth, supercruise, super-maneuverability, network-centricity, etc.

Upgradation of existing aircraft: The IAF plans to upgrade its existing aircraft such as Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MiG-29, etc. These upgrades will include new avionics, weapons, radars, engines, etc. These upgrades will enhance the performance, reliability, survivability, and interoperability of these aircraft.

Development of new weapons: The IAF plans to develop new weapons such as Rudram anti-radiation missile, Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile, BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missile, SFDR ramjet missile, etc. These weapons will provide the IAF with enhanced range, speed, precision, and lethality.

Acquisition of new systems: The IAF plans to acquire new systems such as S-400 Triumf air defence system, AWACS aircraft, UAVs, UCAVs, swarm drones, etc. These systems will provide the IAF with enhanced situational awareness, surveillance, reconnaissance, strike, and defence capabilities.

The IAF is one of the most advanced and capable air forces in the world. It operates a diverse fleet of aircraft and systems that can perform various roles and missions. It has undergone several modernization and expansion programs to enhance its capabilities and meet the challenges of the changing security environment. It has also developed indigenous technologies and products that have boosted its self-reliance and innovation. The IAF is constantly striving to achieve its motto: “Touch the sky with glory”.

You can be a part of this glory. Join Indian Air Force for an exciting career and life extra ordinary. Indian Air Force recruits officers through AFCAT Exam. Find out more about eligibility and AFCAT Exam. Find out more details on Indian Air Force Official Website.

Origin and Evolution of Cyclone Biparjoy

Cyclone Biparjoy originated from a low-pressure area that formed over the southeast Arabian Sea on June 5, 2023. It gradually intensified into a depression and then a deep depression by June 6, moving northward over the east-central and adjacent southeast Arabian Sea. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a cyclone alert for the west coast of India, warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high waves.

On June 7, the depression further intensified into a cyclonic storm and was named Biparjoy by the IMD. It continued to move northward and gained strength, becoming a severe cyclonic storm by June 8. The IMD predicted that it would intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by June 9 and move close to the Gujarat coast. The IMD also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea and coastal residents to take precautionary measures.

Impact of Cyclone Biparjoy on Monsoon and Weather

Cyclone Biparjoy had a critical influence on the arrival and advancement of the monsoon rains in India. The monsoon, which is a crucial weather event for agriculture and the economy, normally starts over Kerala by June 1. However, due to the cyclone, it was delayed by several days. The IMD had predicted that it would start by June 4, but later revised it to June 8 or June 9. The private forecaster Skymet Weather also said that the monsoon would have a “meek and mild entry” due to the cyclone.

The reason for this delay was that the cyclone drove away the clouds and moisture from the Arabian Sea that are essential for the monsoon onset. It also created unfavorable conditions for the monsoon winds to reach Kerala. The cyclone also affected the progress of the monsoon beyond southern peninsular India, making it weak and slow.

Apart from delaying the monsoon, cyclone Biparjoy also brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high waves to the west coast of India. The states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka were expected to see the heaviest rainfall due to the cyclone. Some places received more than 100 mm of rain in 24 hours. The wind speeds also reached up to 80 kmph in some coastal areas. The sea condition was very rough and waves up to 4 meters high were reported. These weather conditions caused power disruptions, property damage, flooding, and disruption of transport and communication.

Meaning and Origin of Cyclone Biparjoy’s Name

Cyclone Biparjoy’s name was given by Bangladesh, one of the eight countries that participate in naming tropical cyclones in the north Indian Ocean region. The other countries are India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. These countries have contributed a list of names that are used in alphabetical order whenever a cyclonic storm forms.

The name Biparjoy means “disaster” in Bengali, which is the official language of Bangladesh. It is derived from two words: “bipad”, which means danger or calamity, and “joy”, which means victory or success. The name implies that overcoming a disaster is a triumph.

Read about other Current Affairs topics under Environment category here.

5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices.

5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. Higher performance and improved efficiency empower new user experiences and connects new industries.

5G has huge transformational potential across industries with its services-based, cloud-native architecture and higher-frequency bands that enable a greater amount of data to be transmitted in real time.

Why 5G technology is significant?

• The high-speed 5G technology will transmit data at least 10 times faster than the current 4G system. This is going to be a significant step towards revolutionizing the tech world in the near future.

• 5G also uses shorter wavelengths, which means that antennas can be much smaller than existing antennas while still providing precise directional control. We’ll be able to beam ultra-fast data to a lot more users, with high precision and little latency.

• High speed and minimal delay offered by the network will promote digital wallet transactions.

• Inter connectivity between smart devices will become extremely efficient and real-time, thereby enhancing the standard of living for urban people.

• The introduction of 5G technology will increase the role of automation in company operations. This takes India one step closer to technological advancements such as driver less cars, commercial use of augmented reality, new manufacturing units, and eventually, a balance between human and machine-driven workforce.

• Applications such as tele-medicine, tele-education, augmented/virtual reality, drone-based agricultural monitoring, etc. will give much needed impetus to the economy.

• 5G enables Internet of Things (IoT) to commercially combine with large-scale industries such as shipping, manufacturing, health, logistics, etc. IoT based machines will foster increased efficiency and scalable operations thereby improving cost-benefit ratio for the company and opportunities for introducing new products in the market.

The process of conducting 5G Trials has begun in India. Telecom service providers have been asked to conduct 5G trials in rural & semi-urban areas as well. 5G technology is expected to deliver greater spectrum efficiency and better download speeds. A global telecom industry body expects India to have 920 million unique mobile subscribers by 2025, which will include 88 million 5G connections.

Challenges in adoption of 5G technology in India:

• There is little domestic R&D on 5g technology.

• Fast internet also increases the vulnerability of cyber systems and the dangers of data theft.

• 5G will not bridge the digital divide among the rural and urban areas in the short term, rather increase it as the business case of 5G even in urban areas does not have maximum accessibility.

• Affordability may be an issue. The country’s 5G ecosystem is underdeveloped and cost of spectrum is exorbitant. Moving to 5G will also require upgrading the infrastructure which will add to the cost. From the consumer point of view, not many 5G devices are available in India and the country does not have domestic capacity or capability to develop such at this point of time.

Making India 5G Ready-Report of the 5G High Level Forum

Way forward with 5G Technology in India:

• 5G can be deployed at different band spectrum and at the low band spectrum, the range is much longer which is helpful for the rural areas.

• Government support would be required indigenous technology to upgrade the existing infrastructure to 5G standards.

• As 5G starts taking shape in India, it is important to strengthen its domestic telecommunication manufacturing market so that it is not only the users of 5G in India, but also the manufacturers and providers of these technologies who will be able to make a mark in the global arena

5G Technology is expected to usher a new era in the technology sector. The ultimate goal is to shift to a technology that facilitates requirements of both the rural and urban areas and India has a long way to go.

If you are preparing for Defence Exams, TIDES Academy offers dedicated Coaching courses for different Defence Exams like NDA, CDS, CAPF(AC). For more information call us at 98961 06442

Where the internet has transformed the way we interact and conduct business, it has also, created boundless opportunities for hackers to conduct Cyber attacks. Cyber attacks are one of the defining security threats of our age and Cyber security a growing priority for business and governments alike.

Cybersecurity or information technology security is the protection of computer systems and networks from the theft of or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.

In these challenging times, the unprecedented reliance on ICTs to drive society, economy and industry, makes it more important than ever before to secure cyberspace and build confidence among users. While some nations have made important strides in Cybersecurity, others have not made as much progress.

According to the latest report released by United Nations in 2020, India now ranks 10^th in the Global Security Index (GCI). The US topped (1st), followed by the UK (United Kingdom) and Saudi Arabia tied on the second position together. India scored a total of 97.5 points from a possible maximum of 100 points, to make it to the tenth position worldwide and fourth position in the Asia Pacific region. South Korea and Singapore are on top with a score of 98.52, which ranks fourth globally. Other countries at the top of the index include Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia (98.06) at fifth place, Lithuania at sixth, Japan at seventh and Canada, France and India at the subsequent positions.

The GCI is a composite index created, analyzed and published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations, to measure the commitment to Cybersecurity of its 194 member countries to raise Cybersecurity awareness.

India is emerging as a global IT superpower, asserting its digital sovereignty with firm measures to safeguard data privacy and online rights of citizens. Several efforts made in this direction include:

• Formulation of National Cyber Security Strategy 2020 – a framework is being readied to improve Cyber awareness and Cyber Security through stringent audits.

• Personal Data Protection Bill 2018, based on recommendation of Justice B. N. Srikrishna Comittee, to secure citizen’s data.

• National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a nodal agency was instituted for coordination of all cyber security efforts, emergency responses, and crisis management.

• National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) was setup for Protection and resilience of critical information infrastructure.

Challenges to Cyber Security In India:

• India lacks indigenization in hardware as well as software cybersecurity tools. This makes India’s cyberspace vulnerable to cyber attacks motivated by state and non-state actors.

• India doesn’t have an ‘active cyber defense’ like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the US’ Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act.

Growing reliance on digital solutions necessitates ever stronger, yet also accessible and user-friendly, data protection measures. Amid interconnected commerce and communication, cybersecurity risks are increasingly border less, with no single entity or stakeholder able to guarantee the security of the global cyber ecosystem.

For regular Current Affairs updates join our newsletter.

If you are preparing for Defence Exams, TIDES Academy offers dedicated Coaching courses for different Defence Exams like NDA, CDS, CAPF(AC). For more information call us at 98961 06442

Before we delve into how the future looks for Afganistan today, we must look at the events of history which brought Afghanistan in the state it is today.

After the withdrawal of Soviet Troops in 1989, the country was thrown in state of civil war. From this civil war, emerged the a group better known as ‘Taliban’ now. After a long and bloody civil war of 10 years, Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 1998. They vowed to fight corruption and improve security, but also followed an austere form of Islam.

They enforced their own hard line version of Sharia, or Islamic law, and introduced brutal punishments. Men were made to grow beards and women had to wear the all-covering burka. TV, music and cinema were banned. During this time, several fundamental Islamic organizations like Al Qaeda found safe haven in Afghanistan.

In 2001, Al Qaeda, conducted biggest terrorist attack on US in which nearly 3000 people were killed. Officials identified Islamist militant group al-Qaeda, and its leader Osama Bin Laden, as responsible. Bin Laden was in Afghanistan, under the protection of the Taliban. When they refused to hand him over, the US intervened militarily, quickly removing the Taliban and vowing to support democracy and eliminate the terrorist threat.

In 2004, with help of US, a democratic government was established in Afghanistan and Hamid Karzai became first president of the country. Taliban and other Islamic groups regrouped and Taliban attacks continued.

In 2014, at the end of what was the bloodiest year since 2001, Nato’s international forces ended their combat mission, leaving responsibility for security to the Afghan army. That gave the Taliban momentum and they seized more territory.

Peace talks between the US and the Taliban started tentatively, and the agreement on a withdrawal came in February 2020 in Qatar. The US-Taliban deal did not stop the Taliban attacks – they switched their focus instead to Afghan security forces and civilians, and targeted assassinations. Their areas of control grew.

US president Joe Biden announces that all US troops will leave Afghanistan by 11 September 2021. In just over a month, the Taliban swept across Afghanistan, taking control of towns and cities all over the country, including Kabul. Afghan security forces collapsed in the face of the Taliban advance.

A couple of months after US withdrawal, Afghanistan’s future appears grim.

It faces severe economic stress and humanitarian crisis. Experts warn Afghanistan could soon become the world’s worst, and a relentless threat of terrorism.

The current semblance of government in Afghanistan is led by brutal Taliban organization. And this time, all the terrorist groups like Haqqani Network et al, have become part of the government.

What is expected?

Predictions about what the future holds for Afghanistan must take into account a complex mix of political, social, religious, economic, and cultural issues.

• The international aid enjoyed by Afghanistan has been scaled back which has resulted into acute economic and humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Taliban are struggling to address these complex challenges.

• Even though the Taliban regime vows to give shelter and prevent any group from using Afghan soil as a base for terrorists attacks on any country. It will be difficult to ensure this, since many of the militant organizations are now part of Afghanistan government.

• Taliban is moving towards imposing strict Sharia laws in the country which means human rights of the citizens will be severely affected, especially those of women.

• Emergence of the regional branch of the Islamic State group – ISKP (Khorasan Province) which the Taliban oppose may lead to another civil war like situation in the country.

• Taliban is a Sunni group and comes mostly from the Southern part of the country. They are against the Shias and other thnic communities like Hazaras. These communities are expected to face brutal backlash from Taliban.

• Education, Media and Cultural arts like music and dancing are not allowed by Taliban.

• The Taliban’s takeover may encourage other extremist groups to copy the Taliban model. Jihadist groups that operate in Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Libya believe that their resilience may lead to victory against the governments they have fought.

• Afghanistan has been one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The Taliban government in Afghanistan is likely to behave the same way. They use Islamic laws to legitimize their corrupt activities.

• Afghans weary of persecution by the Taliban will be desperate to leave the country, creating more opportunities for human-smuggling networks. Human-smuggling networks will thrive in the region.

Overall Afghanistan is going to remain flux. Most likely, Afghanistan will become a haven again for salafi-jihadist terrorist groups, the government will continue to grapple with difficult political and economic issues, the drug trade will flourish, and Afghans will be persecuted under Taliban’s twisted version of sharia law.

If you are preparing for Defence Exams, TIDES Academy offers dedicated Coaching courses for different Defence Exams like NDA, CDS, CAPF(AC). For more information call us at 98961 06442

National Education Policy (NEP) is a comprehensive framework to guide the development of education in the country.

In July 2020, Union Cabinet cleared a new National Education Policy (NEP). The latest policy is India’s third. The first came in 1968 and the second in 1986. The latest policy replaces the 1986 NEP which was in place for 34 years. The NEP 2020 aims at making India a Global Knowledge Superpower.

The new NEP proposes sweeping changes including opening up of Indian higher education to foreign universities, dismantling of the UGC and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), introduction of a four-year multidisciplinary undergraduate programme with multiple exit options, and discontinuation of the M Phil programme.

In school education, the policy focuses on overhauling the curriculum, “easier” Board exams, a reduction in the syllabus to retain “core essentials” and thrust on “experiential learning and critical thinking”.

In a significant shift from the 1986 policy, which pushed for a 10+2 structure of school education, the new NEP pitches for a “5+3+3+4” design corresponding to the age groups 3-8 years (foundational stage), 8-11 (preparatory), 11-14 (middle), and 14-18 (secondary). This brings early childhood education (also known as pre-school education for children of ages 3 to 5) under the ambit of formal schooling.

The NEP says students until Class 5 should be taught in their mother tongue or regional language. The policy also proposes phasing out of all institutions offering single streams and that all universities and colleges must aim to become multidisciplinary by 2040.

Key highlights of the NEP 2020:

School Education:

• The current 10+2 system to be replaced by a new 5+3+3+4 curricular structure corresponding to ages 3-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 14-18 years respectively.

• Bring the uncovered age group of 3-6 years under school curriculum, which has been recognized globally as the crucial stage for development of mental faculties of a child.

• Class 10 and 12 board examinations to be made easier, to test core competencies rather than memorized facts, with all students allowed to take the exam twice.

• School governance is set to change, with a new accreditation framework and an independent authority to regulate both public and private schools.

• Vocational Education to start from Class 6 with Internships.

• Teaching up to at least Grade 5 to be in mother tongue/regional language. No language will be imposed on any student.

• Assessment reforms with 360 degree Holistic Progress Card, tracking Student Progress for achieving Learning Outcomes

Higher Education:

• Holistic Undergraduate education with a flexible curriculum can be of 3 or 4 years with multiple exit options and appropriate certification within this period.

• Holistic Undergraduate education with a flexible curriculum can be of 3 or 4 years with multiple exit options and appropriate certification within this period.

• M.Phil courses will be discontinued and all the courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD level will now be interdisciplinary.

• Academic Bank of Credits to be established to facilitate Transfer of Credits.

• Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs), at par with IITs, IIMs, to be set up as models of best multidisciplinary education of global standards in the country.

• The National Research Foundation will be created as an apex body for fostering a strong research culture and building research capacity across higher education.

• Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) will be set up as a single umbrella body for the entire higher education, excluding medical and legal education.

Other Changes:

• An autonomous body, the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), will be created to provide a platform for the free exchange of ideas on the use of technology to enhance learning, assessment, planning, administration.

• National Assessment Centre- ‘PARAKH’ has been created to assess the students.

• It also paves the way for foreign universities to set up campuses in India.

• It emphasizes setting up of Gender Inclusion Fund, Special Education Zones for disadvantaged regions and groups.

• National Institute for Pali, Persian and Prakrit, Indian Institute of Translation and Interpretation to be set up.

• It also aims to increase the public investment in the Education sector to reach 6% of GDP at the earliest. Currently India spends around 4.6% of its total GDP on education.

Merits of National Education Policy 2020:

• Comprehensive: NEP seeks to address the entire gamut of education from preschool to doctoral studies, and from professional degrees to vocational training.

• Early Childhood Education: In adopting a 5+3+3+4 model for school education starting at age 3, the New education Policy recognizes the primacy of the formative years from ages 3 to 8 in shaping the child’s future

• Easy on Regulations: NEP 2020 makes a bold prescription to free our schools, colleges and universities from periodic “inspections” and place them on the path of self-assessment and voluntary declaration

• Holistic: The policy, inter alia, aims to eliminate problems of pedagogy, structural inequities, access asymmetries and rampant commercialization.

• Promote Inclusion: The Policy proposes the creation of ‘inclusion funds’ to help socially and educationally disadvantaged children pursue education

Challenges to National Education Policy 2020:

Cooperation from States: Any educational reform can be implemented only with support from the States, and the Centre has the giant task of building a consensus on the many ambitious plans The idea of a National Higher Education Regulatory Council as an apex control organisation is bound to be resented by States.

Inadequate check on donations: Fee regulations exist in some States even now, but the regulatory process is unable to rein in profiteering in the form of unaccounted donations.

Funding: Progress on these crucially depends on the will to spend the promised 6% of GDP as public expenditure on education.

Way Forward:

The NEP only provides a broad direction and is not mandatory to follow. Since education is a concurrent subject (both the Centre and the state governments can make laws on it), the reforms proposed can only be implemented collaboratively by the Centre and the states. This will not happen immediately. The incumbent government has set a target of 2040 to implement the entire policy.

NEP 2020 is a progressive shift towards a more scientific approach to education. The prescribed structure will help to cater the ability of the child – stages of cognitive development as well as social and physical awareness. If implemented in its true vision, the new structure can bring India at par with the leading countries of the world.

If you are preparing for Defence Exams, TIDES Academy offers dedicated Coaching courses for different Defence Exams like NDA, CDS, CAPF(AC). For more information call us at 98961 06442

However, a progress report from February 2021 showed little progress had been made in this direction. So in July 2021, to boost climate change mitigation efforts European Union (EU) proposed a comprehensive plan which includes a ‘Carbon Border Tax’ on imports of carbon-intensive goods.

A carbon border tax is a tax on carbon emissions attributed to imported goods that have not been carbon-taxed at source. In pushing through policies that result in EU manufacturers relying on environmentally friendlier but more expensive renewable energy, the manufacturers would be at a cost disadvantage compared with overseas competitors that are still using carbon dioxide-producing but cheaper power sources.

The plan includes a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which aims to equalize the fees on the carbon content of goods in the EU regardless of where they were produced by imposing carbon border taxes. Under the proposal, importers will be required to buy digital certificates representing the tonnage of carbon dioxide emissions embedded in their imported goods. Importers may be able to claim a reduction in carbon border costs if the goods have already been subject to a carbon levy in their country of manufacture.

The EU’s CBAM proposal contains various controversial aspects. For example: how to fairly account for emissions related to the production of imported goods? How to duly consider the costs that companies already face in complying with climate regulations in exporting countries?

The China, India, Brazil, South Africa and several others, including least-developed countries, have expressed concern over the EU’s CBAM. The BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) countries’ grouping has termed the policy as ‘discriminatory’ and against the principles of equity and ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities’ (CBDR-RC).

‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities’ (CBDR-RC) principles acknowledge that richer countries have a responsibility of providing financial and technological assistance to developing and vulnerable countries to fight climate change.

Impact on India

A carbon border tax is worrisome for India as it is the EU’s third largest trading partner. In 2020, the EU accounted for 11.1 per cent of India’s total global trade. India’s exports to the EU were also worth $41.36 billion in 2020-21, according to data from the commerce ministry.

By increasing the prices of Indian-made goods in the EU, this tax would make Indian goods less attractive for buyers and could shrink demand. The tax would create serious near-term challenges for companies with larger greenhouse gas footprint.

Conclusion

A mechanism like Carbon Border Tax for charging imported goods at borders may spur adoption of cleaner technologies. But if it happens without adequate assistance for newer technologies and finance, it would rather become disadvantageous for the developing countries.

India should diligently work towards reducing its Carbon foot print, not only to protect its future trade but as a measure to mitigate climate change in the country and world at large. While India prepares to reduce its Carbon footprint, in short term, it is should negotiate with EU to to ensure that its exports with the latter are protected either through a Free Trade Agreement or by other means and if there are adjustments and standards that India needs to meet.