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.

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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”.

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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.

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Form Link for Online Application of CDS Exam

The online application can be submitted at upsconline.nic.in. Applicants will need to register online and fill up the online application for examination. CDS 2023 – 2 Exam will be conducted on September 3, 2023.

CDS Eligibility Criteria 2023

UPSC prescribes CDS eligibility criteria in terms of nationality, age limit and educational qualification. To apply for the exam, candidates need to meet the eligibility parameters. CDS eligibility criteria are given below:

• Candidates must be a citizen of India
• CDS Age Limit 2023
  • CDS 2 2023 age limit for Indian Military Academy (IMA) is that unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2000, and not later than January 1, 2005, are eligible to apply
  • CDS 1 2023 age limit for Indian Naval Academy (IMA) is that unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2000, and not later than January 1, 2005, are eligible to apply
  • Candidates applying for Air Force Academy should be between 20 to 24 years as on January 1, 2023. They must have been born not earlier than January 2, 2000, and not later than January 1, 2004
  • For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Course for men), unmarried male candidates born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2005, are eligible to apply
  • For Officers’ Training Academy (SSC Women Non-Technical Course), candidates should be unmarried and born not earlier than January 2, 1999, and not later than January 1, 2005
• CDS Qualification
  • For IMA and Officers’ Training Academy, the required educational qualification is Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university
  • For Indian Naval Academy, candidates must have a degree in Engineering from a recognised university
  • For Air Force Academy, candidates must have a degree in Engineering from a recognised university. They must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12

Important Dates for CDS Exam 2023:

Date of Notification: 17 May 2022

Last Date of Application: 6 June 2023

Date of Examination: 3 September 2023

Download the notification for CDS Exam 2 – 2023 here

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Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination is a test conducted by  Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment of men and women as officers in Indian Armed forces. It includes Short Service Commission (SSC) recruitment. Candidates are required to apply online by using the website http://upsconline.nic.in. All candidates who wish to candidates who wish to join the courses of Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Officers Training Academy Courses (Men and Women).

CDS Exam 1 2023 Important Dates:

Date of Notification: 21 December 2022

Last Date of Application: 10 January 2023

Date of Examination: 16 April 2023

CDS Exam 1 2023 Eligibility Criteria

Nationality: A candidate should hold The Citizenship of India, subject of Nepal/Bhutan

Education:

For I.M.A. and Officers’ Training Academy – The candidate should have a graduation degree (any subject) from a recognized University or equivalent.

For Indian Naval Academy- The candidate should have completed their Graduation in Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.

For Air Force Academy- The candidate should hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.

Age Limit: The candidate should fall in the age group of 20 to 24 years as on 01/01/2024

CDS Exam 1 2023 Exam Pattern

The candidates have to clear CDS Written Examination to get selected for the interview round. There will be Multiple-Choice Questions in each paper. The question paper for General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics will be set in Hindi as well as English. There will be a penalty of 1/3 marks for a wrong answer. Duration of each exam is separate i.e. 2 hours.

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Date for Submission of applications is 1 December 2022 – 30 Dec 2022. The AFCAT Examination will be conducted from 24-26 February 2023.  The mode of examination is online. Medium of Exam is English. Application fee for all categories is 250 INR

The candidates must check the eligibility criteria for the AFCAT Exam before applying for the exam. AFCAT Eligibility Criteria vary for the technical and non-technical branches. The candidates must ensure that they satisfy the entire AFCAT eligibility criteria to avoid rejection. The candidate must abide by the Indian Citizenship act 1955 and must be an Indian Citizen. For the AFCAT Exam 2023, the candidates must meet the eligibility conditions set by the authorities in terms of age, educational qualifications, nationality, marital status and physical & medical standards. Check your Eligibility for AFCAT 2023 Examination here.

Download the original notification for AFCAT Exam 2023.

The application for AFCAT Exam 2023 is to be submitted online. The online application for the exam can be submitted at the official websites of Indian Air force – careerindianairforce.cdac.in or afcat.cdac.in 

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According to the notification UPSC will hold the CAPF(AC) written exam on August 7, 2022 and will consist of two papers. Last date for submission of application for the same is May 10, 2022

CAPF Vaccancies

The CAPF(AC) Exam 2022 is being conducted to fill 253 vacancies in different armed forces – BSF (66), CRPF (29), CISF(62), ITBP (14) and SSB(82).

CAPF Eligibility

A candidate must be between the ages of 20 and 25 on August 1, 2022, i.e. born between August 2, 1997 and August 1, 2002. A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree of a recognized University.

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More details can be found on UPSC website.

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The qualified candidates will appear for Service Selection Board (SSB) interview for final selection for Admission to Army, Navy and Air Force Wings of Indian Armed Forces through admission into Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA) and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

Total number of vacancies to be filled from CDS Exam II 2021 is 339. Number of qualified candidates in this exam stand at 6845. The result for NDA Exam II 2021 can be Downloaded Here.

The result is also available on the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) website.

Congratulations to who have qualified. For others you can appear again in April 2022. Contact TIDES Academy for best coaching for NDA Exam. Free Demo Classes Available. For more information call 9896106442 or visit CDS Exam Coaching at TIDES Academy.