Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
India has signed an agreement with the US to procure the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system, enhancing its defence capabilities and deepening military ties.
Key points
- The agreement is for the procurement of Javelin anti-tank guided missile system through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route.
- This signifies a growing depth in the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership.
- The Javelin system is a medium-range, fire-and-forget missile designed for engaging armoured vehicles and fortified positions.
- The deal also opens avenues for co-production and collaboration between the defence industries of both nations.
Background & context
The Javelin is a portable anti-tank missile system. India has been looking to modernise its military hardware and enhance its defence capabilities against potential adversaries.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Javelin system is produced by a joint venture of RTX and Lockheed Martin.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Security, Defence Technology, International Relations.
Why in news?
A new facility for overhauling T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks has been established in Jabalpur, aiming to enhance the operational readiness and indigenous maintenance capabilities of the Indian Army's armoured fleet.
Key points
- A ₹472-crore project has been launched for the T-Series Tanks Overhaul Project at Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur.
- The facility aims to restore ageing tanks to a 'near-zero-hour and zero-kilometre' state.
- The new facility will have the capacity to overhaul 80 tanks annually, supplementing the existing capacity of Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi (150 tanks).
- The total annual requirement for tank overhauls is approximately 230 tanks.
Background & context
The Indian Army operates a significant fleet of Russian-origin T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks. Regular overhauling is crucial for maintaining their combat effectiveness and extending their service life.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur is a unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Security, Defence Manufacturing, Indigenous Defence Capabilities.
Why in news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan, where India will highlight its priorities of security, connectivity, and opportunity.
Key points
- The summit is being held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- India's key priorities to be highlighted are security, connectivity, and opportunity.
- The summit will likely discuss the evolving security scenario in the region, including counter-terrorism efforts.
- Prime Minister Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with other SCO leaders on the sidelines.
Background & context
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. India has been a full member since 2017. The SCO's primary goal is to counter terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
★ Prelims fact capsule
This summit marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Groupings, India's Foreign Policy, Regional Security.